The leadership of the Photo Journalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN) has condemned attacks on its members who were out covering the #EndSARS protests in Lagos. A statement signed by the Chairman,
Lagos Chapter of the association, Mr Kola Olasupo noted that two members of the association from The Nation Newspapers, Deputy Photo Editor, Comrade Isaac Jimoh Ayodele and Abiodun Williams were victims of attacks perpetuated by hoodlums.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the attacks melted out on some of our members in the on going ENDSARS protest in Lagos”. “Ayodele Isaac who also serves as NUJ Lagos Internal Auditor almost lost his life when he was attacked by hoodlums at Mofoluku area of Lagos in the cause of carrying out his official duties.
He was attacked when he went to take photo shots of the burnt Makinde Police Station located in the Mafoluku area, where he narrowly escaped after much beating while Abiodun Williams was attacked at Yaba area of Lagos and his camera completely damaged”.
Another member Mike Otogo a Photojournalist with The Economy Magazine, according to the statement was attacked at Ojudu area of Lagos when he went to cover Ojodu Police Station set ablaze by hoodlums. He was lucky to escape, but his camera was snatched from him and smashed on the
ground by hoodlums. He presently has no camera to work with.
These attacks are unwarranted and we plead with the protesters to see us as partners who believe in their cause and to allow our members to carry out their lawful duties.
The Chairman of the Association urged members, to stay safe and be conscious of their movement as they carry out their normal duties. “The Association’s Executive body Sympathizes with the unfortunate victims and pray that no harm befalls any member of the Association again’ the statement concluded.