On March 12, 2026, Mr. Musa Mikail, a senior reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Bida Station in Niger State, was assaulted by security operatives attached to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, during a Ramadan iftar at Wadata Palace in Bida Local Government Area. Mikail said he and his cameraman were standing while covering the event when the Governor’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) approached and demanded they move away.
According to Mikail, he explained that they were not obstructing anyone and were carrying out professional duties, but he was pushed by the CSO and subsequently attacked by other security personnel, who forced him out of the venue. The iftar was hosted by the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, confirmed it had received a report on the incident and was reviewing the circumstances. Also, NUJ Chairman Abu Nmodu reportedly contacted government officials, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, to ensure the journalist’s safety, though efforts to reach the press secretary for comment were unsuccessful.
Media stakeholders expressed concern over the safety of journalists covering public events in Niger State, highlighting the need for protection and accountability for press personnel performing their duties.
