Military Intervention: Journalist Detained at Delta Protest Amid Economic Hardship

In the early hours of February 23, 2024, a South-South Bureau Chief of Galaxy Television, Mr. Dele Fasan, was arrested by Nigerian Army soldiers while covering a planned protest against economic hardship in Effurun, Delta State.

The incident occurred in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC Operations, Aina Adesola.

Mr. Fasan was later released after an appeal by the DC Operations and other journalists from Independent Television & Radio and Daily Post.

The Army Commander, Major AE Ohegbe, apologized for the soldiers’ lack of civility during the incident.

The protest was cancelled following a meeting between critical stakeholders last night.

The National Secretary of Human Right Protection Congress, Kelvin Ejumudo, stated that the civil society organizations aimed to prevent any protests due to potential property loss and financial harm.

Despite the cancellation, the situation in the country remains volatile.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and local government chairpersons have been urged to address the hunger and economic hardship plaguing the nation.

While acknowledging the hunger in the land, security operatives have been commended for their efforts to maintain peace and prevent further harm to innocent citizens.

However, many believe that the government’s actions are not enough and that they must do more to alleviate the suffering of the people.

The military intervention and subsequent detention of a journalist at the Delta protest site highlight the ongoing struggle against economic hardship and government oppression in Nigeria.

While the protest was cancelled, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive action to address the concerns of its citizens and alleviate the hunger and suffering in the country.