The sacked boss of the defunct Public Safety Response Team, Kelly Okungbowa, on Wednesday, assaulted two staff members of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) at the Government House, Benin City.
The incident happened during an empowerment programme for 250 Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the state.
LEADERSHIP gathered that trouble started when nine persons, who were not captured in the programme, stormed the venue to protest their alleged exclusion.
At that moment, the Edo Broadcasting Service cameraman at the venue was attacked by Okungbowa, who felt he (the cameraman) was recording the ensuing commotion.
But, EBS reporter, Juliet Aisien, immediately stood up to defend her cameraman and explain the need for Okungbowa not to assault her colleague and that they belonged to the state-owned media outfit.
Okungbowa, who was piqued at that point, hit the reporter on her shoulder in an attempt to slap her.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in a statement by its President, Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Andy Egbon, condemned the attack on the journalists and called for the arrest of Okungbowa.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, condemns in strong terms the assault on Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), who was assaulted and manhandled by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone) at a public function in Benin City on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
“The leadership of the union considers this act as a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence.
“The NUJ further warns that attacks on journalists in the line of duty will no longer be tolerated, and urges members of the public, especially public figures, to exercise restraint and show respect for the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.
“The Union calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to immediately arrest Kelly Okungbowa, investigate him and bring him to justice,” they stated.
LEADERSHIP recalls that in March, Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended indefinitely the activities of the Public Safety Response Team headed by Okungbowa following several complaints about the activities of the task force.
