Soldiers at ORO3, Union bank formation in Damaturu, Yobe state, have confiscated journalists’ car and kept them hostage for hours.
The journalists are Musa Mingye of Blueprint and our reporter, Hamisu Kabir Matazu, who were using their personal vehicles with INEC approved sticker, INEC’s reflective jackets, INEC-issued Identification cards and company’s ID cards.
The heavily-armed military men threatened to resort to brutality if the journalists insist on leaving the location to continue their election duty.
An army lieutenant said he was acting under the command of the GOC, saying he will not listen to any journalist’s appeal.
“Do you think you have any right? Go there and stay until I decided what to do with you,” he said.
Many vehicles were seized and parked at the military’s location, our reporter observed.
Some election observers who were being guided by the soldiers, promised to take up the matter to ensure justice.
“That particular officer is known for maltreating people without caution. We will take up the matter for justice to be served,” he said.
When contacted, the Army spokesman in Yobe, Lieutenant Njoka Irabor, asked about the journalists’ location and promised to come to their journalists’ rescue.
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