The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ondo State Council has called for a thorough investigation into the attack on the residence of an Ondo State-based journalist, Mr ‘Tosin Ajuwon.
Expressing shock and disbelief on how his house was burgled, the union urged the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, DSS, and other security operatives to as a matter of urgency set machinery in motion to ascertain those who perpetrated the evil act.
It said the incident is disturbing in view of the recent disappearance of a journalist with Vanguard newspaper in Abuja and several others attacked across the country.
The residence of Ajuwon who is also the Secretary of the NUJ Correspondent Chapel in the state was burgled by suspected hoodlums who carted away vital documents and other valuables.
While sympathizing with him over the development, the State Chairman of the Union, Adetona Aderoboye and the State Secretary, Leke Adegbite in a statement signed on Tuesday advised the security operatives to beef up security around journalists and other media professionals in Ondo State to prevent any sad happening.
They said: “Ondo NUJ shall work closely with men of the Nigeria Police to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack on Ajuwon without unnecessary delay.”
Meanwhile the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state has also condemned the attack.
In a statement by the party’s spokesman in the state, Mr Kennedy Peretei, it said “The broad day attack on the residence of Daily Times Correspondent, Tosin Ajuwon at Irese, Ifedore Local Government Area by hoodlums is barbaric and condemnable.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter calls on the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command , Mr. Bolaji Salami to help fish out those behind this dastardly act and bring them to book.
“Members of the fourth estate of the realm and indeed citizens should be able to go about their lawful duties without being attacked and traumatised in this senseless manner.”
Unknown hoodlums had burgled Ajuwon’s apartment carting away valuable properties including his vital documents.
The hoodlums broke into the building located at Irese Community in Ifedore Local Council of the state through the window and made away with two sets of television, including vital documents.
It was gathered that the burglars entered the house when Ajuwon and members of his family had left for work.
According to members of the household, the incident would be the second time that unknown persons would break into the apartment to steal valuable properties.
Speaking on the unfortunate incident, Ajuwon had described the incident as shocking, frightening and a direct attack.
He explained that the hoodlums came into the apartment through the backyard after breaking the burglary window.
He said: “It is the most shocking incident because the burglars came into the apartment when we had left the house for work, which shows that they must have been monitoring our movement. They came in through the back, where they damaged the burglary proof and entered through the window.
“They ransacked the whole room, scattered some of my documents in a most frightening way. In fact, it’s a direct attack. They stole two television sets (a 55 inches Hisense CurveTv and an LG 32 inches Tv) while they also took away vital documents.
“We have reported the case to the police in the Ijare Division and they have promised to identify those who perpetrated the evil act. I trust that the police will surely go after them.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Oluwafunmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, said the investigation has begun, stressing that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended.
