Suspected political thugs on Monday attacked Benjamin Nworie, a former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi State.
Nworie, who is also the state correspondent for THISDAY Newspapers, alleged that the assailants were loyalists of the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Peace Agwu.
The chairman, however, denied the allegation and challenged the journalist to present evidence linking her to the attack.
In a petition addressed to the Ebonyi State Council of the NUJ and copied to the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nworie stated that three men invaded his residence in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki, in the early hours of the day.
He explained that the attackers confronted him at the bamboo placed near his entrance before assaulting him.
“The thugs forcefully dragged, beat and punched me severely on the face and mouth. They also threatened to kill my family and me. It took the intervention of neighbours to save me from further attacks,” he said.
Nworie also noted that he had faced repeated difficulties due to construction activities allegedly linked to the council chairman, which had reportedly obstructed access to his home.
Expressing concerns for his safety, he called on colleagues and security agencies to intervene.
“I want to call on my colleagues and security agencies to be aware that my life and that of my family are now in danger as a result of the attacks and threats,” he added.
Peace Agwu, Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, denied the allegations, stating, “It is a false allegation. I didn’t send anybody to attack him. He should bring evidence of his claim.”