The Nasarawa State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abbas Bappa Muhammed, has apologized to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ in the State over an attack on one of them during yesterday’s Governorship and State Assembly elections by the Command personnel.
Statement by the Command Public Relations Officer DSC Jerry Victor said the commandant received with great shock, the news of attack on the Head of News, Breeze FM Lafia, Mr. Edwin Philip at Polling Unit 016, Chiroma Ward, in Lafia Local Government Council, during the elections by some personnel of the command who were on a routine patrol and monitoring of election processes within the Lafia metropolis.
The statement says the Commandant condemned the act in its totality, adding that the act is not a true reflection of the character and attributes of the Command’s personnel and vowed to investigate the incident to fish out the perpetrators of the attack on the journalist.
He harped on the need for officers and men of the command to exhibit high standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, “Officers and men have been repeatedly briefed on the need for good public conduct at all times and especially during the election, therefore, anyone who violate the order will be liable to punishment.
“The State Commandant had directed that the injured journalist be immediately given medical attention with a promise to settle all bills incurred in order to avoid any health complications.
“He promised the media community that he will leave no stone unturned in unraveling those behind this shameful act.
“The Command wishes to apologise to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa State Council and the general public, assuring that such an incidence will not repeat itself.” The statement added.