In a daring pre-dawn raid on Friday, unidentified gunmen attacked the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, leaving a police officer seriously injured.
The incident, which occurred around 2 a.m. on September 19, 2025, has heightened concerns about the safety of journalists and media professionals in Nigeria’s Northeast.
According to reports, the assailants stormed the secretariat and shot the police officer on duty in the leg. He was immediately rushed to the emergency unit of the Police Hospital in Damaturu, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Chairman of the NUJ Yobe Council, Rajab Ismail Mohammed, described the attack as “unfortunate and scary,” noting that it adds to the psychological strain journalists already face in a volatile region.
“This incident is not just an assault on a security guard but an intimidation tactic against the press corps in Yobe State,” Mohammed said. He urged security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
The attack underscores the growing risks faced by media practitioners in conflict-prone parts of the country and the urgent need for stronger protective measures.
