Journalists covering a tax enforcement operation at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa were attacked by security guards on Wednesday.
Three media practitioners suffered physical assault during the raid. They were Taiwo Fabajo of Ogun State Television, Bidemi Bello and cameraman Gbenga Osinuga of Channels Television.
Video footage of the incident circulated widely on social media. It showed the journalists being beaten by private security operatives.
Government officials from the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service had arrived to seal the facility over unpaid taxes. Over 30 companies operate within the free trade zone.
Security personnel at the premises resisted the enforcement team's entry. They allegedly barricaded the gates to block access.
During the confrontation, two police officers sustained injuries. The situation escalated when guards turned on the journalists present.
Officers eventually forced their way in and served tax default notices to companies. They sealed the facility afterwards.
Police spokesman DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the attack occurred. He stressed that the perpetrators were not police officers.
"We've started investigations to identify those behind this," he told reporters. The command promised to pursue the matter.
Bunmi Adigun, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, condemned the assault in strong terms. He called it a grave threat to press freedom.
The NUJ demanded that authorities prosecute those responsible. It stressed that journalists must work without fear or violence.
Ogun State's Freelance and Independent Broadcasters' Association joined the outcry. They said the attack violated constitutional protections for media workers.
Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers' Union also weighed in. Spokesman Olakunle Idowu said the assault cannot be ignored.
Idowu noted that private security companies must respect journalists' rights. He warned against allowing such incidents to fade from public memory.
Multiple civil society groups have rallied behind the affected reporters. They're demanding swift action from law enforcement.
The state government claims companies in the zone owe millions in unpaid taxes. Officials say the enforcement exercise was lawful and necessary.
Journalists' groups insist this won't deter media coverage of government operations. They vow to continue holding authorities accountable.
Sources close to the investigation say police are gathering statements from witnesses. They're also reviewing the viral video as evidence.
The incident has sparked broader concerns about security threats facing Nigeria's press. Media practitioners say such attacks are becoming increasingly common.
Press freedom advocates worry about a pattern of intimidation targeting reporters. They're calling for stronger legal protections and enforcement.
