By Chuks Collins
Eighteen journalists who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections held were on Saturday arrested and detained under menacing gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service (aka Udo-Gachi).
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
After covering the day’s proceedings, and an interview with APC Governorship flagbearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu at a point described as Eke Orsumenyi, the journalists were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped and detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s deputy Gov, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like, and deceive the people, we will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative stated.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen arrested and detained were Correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor in company of Nnewi South LGA chairman arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
When information of the development got to the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election , Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu also arrived the scene and ensured the release of the detained journalists who he said are just doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
