The Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) has condemned Tuesday shooting by men of Osun Police Command, of The Nation Newspaper’s correspondent, Toba Adedeji in Osogbo.
Recall that Adedeji was killed by stray bullet along with an unidentified female student at the popular Olaiya junction, Osogbo.
The police officers, who were reported to be shooting sporadically to disperse protesters who were gathered to mourn the April 4, 2022 killing of Abiola Afolabi by police personnel.
A statement by the spokesperson of SDNON, Gbolahan Adetayo on Wednesday, said shooting unarmed journalists or any other Nigerian, is barbaric and unacceptable in our society.
SDNON observed that the job of journalists, who should be protected as national treasures while discharging their duties, is service to the nation.
“Shooting journalists is condemnable in our society, regardless of anything that must have happened. The police officers have no right to point guns at unarmed citizens whom they are meant to protect.
“The job of police officers at any event is to protect lives and properties while journalists are to report events. But it seemed that the policemen who shot at the journalist lacked the knowledge of their profession.”
SDNON called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Osun State Commissioner of Police to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the officers who displayed the barbaric act were identified and brought to book.
