The Association of Television Cameramen of Nigeria (ATCAN), Rivers State chapter, has condemned in strong terms the unwarranted and unprovoked attack on one of its members, Mr. Promise Ibuchim of ARISE Television, Rivers State Bureau.
According to the association, the incident occurred when unidentified persons, allegedly armed with dangerous weapons, invaded the venue of a live broadcast interview in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The interview was being conducted by the ARISE Television production team and featured a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment in Rivers State, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa.
ATCAN, in a statement issued by its Rivers State Chairman, Mr. Stephen Momoh, described the incident as a regrettable and unacceptable act of broadcast disruption. He said the attackers forcefully interrupted the live programme and reportedly seized broadcast equipment and personal items belonging to members of the production crew.
The association stressed that journalists including cameramen, reporters and other production personnel are professionally and constitutionally mandated to gather and disseminate information to the public without fear or intimidation. It noted that journalistic duties are carried out regardless of political, social or cultural affiliations, and any attempt to obstruct such lawful activities constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to access information.
ATCAN warned that rising incidents of violence and intimidation against media practitioners pose a serious threat to democratic values and could discourage journalists from carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
While sympathising with Ibuchim over the ordeal, the association called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
The association further demanded that where broadcast equipment or personal items were damaged, seized or lost in the course of the attack, full compensation and refunds should be made, in line with the law.
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