The Photojournalist Association of Nigeria (PJAN), has condemned attacks on its members on the recent #EndSARS protests in Lagos that was hijacked by hoodlums.
PJAN in a joint statement signed by the Kola Olasupo, and Sylvester Okoruwa, Chairman and Secretary respectively, pleaded with the protesters to see journalists as their partner who is fighting for their cause.
“Two of our members from The Nation Newspapers, Deputy Photo Editor, Comrade Jimoh Ayodele and Abiodun Williams. Ayodele who also served as NUJ Lagos Internal Auditor almost lost his life where he went to get the shots of the burnt Makinde Police Station located in the Mafoluku area of Lagos.”
“Abiodun Williams was attacked at Yaba after his explanations that he is a Photojournalist. Another member of our association who was attacked is Mike Otogo a Photojournalist with The Economy Magazine, he was attacked at Ojodu area of Lagos when he went to cover the set ablaze Ojodu Police Station by hoodlums. He was lucky to escape, but his camera was snatched from him and at the same time damaged by the hoodlums and presently they have no camera to work.”
“This attacked is one too many, we plead with the protesters to see us as partners who believe in their cause and allow our members to carry out their official duties.”
Both Olasupo and Okoruwa has enjoined their members, to stay safe and be security conscious of their movement as they carry out their normal duties.
The association executives sympathize with victims of the unfortunate incident and pray that no harm befall any member of the association again.
