Mr. Dennis Agbo, a dedicated journalist based in Enugu State, found himself in a harrowing situation on Sunday when he was viciously attacked by armed youths believed to be from Neke community in Isi-uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Agbo, who works as a reporter for Vanguard in Enugu, had enlisted the help of four laborers to clear a farmland situated at Ugwuokwunele Umuaram in Ikem within the same local government area. However, upon arrival at the location, they were met with a shocking sight – the land had already been occupied by some individuals.
As Agbo attempted to ascertain the ownership of one of the houses on the land, a group of about ten boys, who had been mobilized to the scene, launched a brutal attack on them, leaving them battered and bruised.
“We were kidnapped along with the two motorcycles we had arrived with. Another person from Ikem was taken to Neke village. Subsequently, more than 300 armed boys, equipped with various weapons and charms, were summoned to the scene. They threatened to end our lives,” Agbo recounted.
“After some time, they decided to release us, but not before warning us to inform our community that they were ready for war. Sunday Ekwu was the one who negotiated our release,” he added.
The ordeal left Agbo and his companions severely injured, with one of them requiring medical attention due to a serious eye injury. Their personal belongings, including phones and wheelbarrows, were also confiscated during the ordeal. Held captive for over three hours, Agbo bore the physical scars of the violent encounter all over his body.
Despite reporting the incident to the police, Agbo remains steadfast in his claim that the disputed land rightfully belongs to his family. He emphasized that his late Uncle had resided on the land for his entire life and was laid to rest there.
The shocking attack on Mr. Dennis Agbo serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in the line of duty. As he seeks justice for the unwarranted assault, his story sheds light on the importance of upholding press freedom and the right to report without fear of reprisal.
