Journalists, Unarmed Protesters Arrested By Police In Calabar #EndBadGovernance

Several journalists covering the ongoing hardship protest as well as right activists have been arrested by security agent in Calabar, Cross River State.

The armless journalists were beaten and handcuffed before taken to unknown location in the state.

Among the arrested journalists was the managing editor of the online newspaper CrossRiverWatch, Mr Jonathan Ugbal.

It was gathered that they were taken by security personnel, along with other activists who engaged in a peaceful protest on Thursday

The medium learnt that the journalists were following some activists around the popular Mary Slessor roundabout in Calabar, where a handful of protesters had gathered on Thursday, the first day of the 10-day planned nationwide protest.

While monitoring the protest, Ugbal had posted a video in the morning showing that the surrounding roads to the Mary Slessor roundabout were deserted.

Reacting, human rights activist James Ibor said the arrest of activists and journalists was condemnable and reprehensible.

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.”