Suspected Loyalists of Kosofe LG Chairman Attack Journalist

A journalist with MITV, Habeeb Adejobi, was on Wednesday allegedly attacked by suspected loyalists of the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Mr. Moyo Ogunlewe, at the council secretariat in Lagos.

The incident occurred while the reporter was covering the screening of newly appointed supervisors and special advisers at the council.

Adejobi said he had arrived at the secretariat to carry out his professional duty when a group of young men allegedly attacked him without provocation.

Narrating the incident, he alleged that the attackers were led by a man identified by people around as the chairman’s driver.

“I was at the council secretariat to cover the screening of the supervisors and special advisers when some boys suddenly pounced on me. They were led by a man people around identified as the chairman’s driver,” Adejobi said.

The incident reportedly caused tension within the secretariat as colleagues and bystanders attempted to intervene.

Adejobi was subsequently taken to the Area Police Station where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) intervened.

Confirming the development, the DPO, Mr. Lawrence Kayode, said the matter had been reported and efforts were underway to address it.

“The matter was brought to my attention by the Chief of Staff to the chairman. We are looking into it and trying to resolve the situation,” he said.

The police officer added that the report was made at the instance of the council chairman’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Abiona Akinola.

Adejobi was later released following the intervention of the police authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kosofe Local Government Council had not issued an official statement on the incident.

The attack has raised concerns among journalists about the safety of reporters covering political and government activities in the area.

The incident comes weeks after another violent episode during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress at the party secretariat in the area, where a party chieftain, Kehinde Saka, was reportedly attacked by individuals believed to be supporters of the council chairman.

Observers say the recurring incidents highlight the need for authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and other stakeholders carrying out legitimate duties