Security agents in Cross River State have forcefully detained several journalists and activists, subjecting them to beatings, handcuffs, and transport to undisclosed locations.
Jonathan Ugbal, the managing editor of the online publication CrossRiverWatch, is one of the journalists detained.
It was reported that they were taken to an undisclosed location by security personnel early on Thursday morning, along with other activists who participated in a nonviolent protest.
Following a few activists, the journalists headed to Calabar’s well-known Mary Slessor roundabout on Thursday, the first day of the 10-day nationwide protest that is scheduled to take place.
Ugbal had uploaded a video in the morning while keeping an eye on the protest, revealing that the roads leading to the Mary Slessor roundabout were empty.
Human rights advocate James Ibor responded by calling the arrest of journalists and activists abhorrent and condemnable.
He said that the security agents who arrested the journalists arrived in four Hilux vehicles and SUVs, heavily armed.
He said, “We challenge the authorities to produce any evidence that Ugbal and others were violent.
“I strongly suspect that the security agents are those attached to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
However, we know that Governor Otu, being a people-
centric leader, would not allow his agents to be this brutal.”
“This is very sad. It is a disappointment, and we call on Governor Otu to order the release of these journalists and activists, who I strongly believe are in government custody.”
