The management and staff of Albarka Radio 97.5 FM have expressed deep outrage and concern over the alleged assault on one of its reporters by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, and his team during the recent Sallah celebration.
In a statement signed by the General Manager, Dauda Mohammed Ciroma, the station described the incident as “vicious, unprovoked, and dehumanizing,” condemning it as a grave abuse of power and a direct attack on press freedom.
The organisation stated that such conduct, described as high-handed and irresponsible, has no place in a democratic society, stressing that an attack on a journalist performing lawful duties is an affront to democracy and a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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Albarka Radio declared its full alignment with the position of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, as contained in its statement dated March 23, 2026, expressing confidence in the union’s leadership to ensure justice is served.
The station also extended appreciation to individuals, civil society groups, and media organisations that have shown solidarity with the victim, noting that such support strengthens the demand for accountability and justice.
While acknowledging the response of the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who condemned the incident and promised an investigation, Albarka Radio called for the immediate suspension of the DPO involved to ensure a transparent and credible investigative process.
The station further disclosed that a formal petition would be submitted to the Commissioner of Police, warning that failure to take decisive action could be interpreted as tacit endorsement of the alleged misconduct by the Bauchi State Police Command.
Albarka Radio emphasized that while it maintains a longstanding cordial relationship with the police in the state, the actions of the officers involved do not reflect the professionalism of the entire force.
However, it insisted that those found culpable must face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent against future violations.