By joshua 
Tension As Senator Eze’s Loyalists Attack Ebonyi NUJ Boss, Journalists
Tension erupted at Ezza South Local Government Headquarters, Onueke as group of boys loyal to Senator Ken Chukwuemeka Eze, Senator representing Ebonyi Central zone allegedly attacked the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ebonyi State council Sampson Nwafor and other journalists covering APC Senatorial Primary election in the area.
The shocking incident has since attracted condemnation from journalists, rights groups, and concerned citizens across the state.
It was gathered that tension escalated when journalists covering the primary election approached the senator for comments shortly after the announcement of the result.
Instead of responding to questions from the media, Senator Eze allegedly accused some journalists of misrepresenting him in previous reports and became visibly agitated during the interaction.
Eyewitnesses at the venue said efforts by the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sampson Nwafor, to calm the situation and de-escalate tensions proved unsuccessful, as the senator allegedly snubbed his repeated attempts of mediation.
Sources at the scene alleged that the senator directed some of his supporters and political associates and aides to descend on the journalists.
Further allegations identified Mr. Kizito Nwankwo, a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Eze, as one of the individuals who allegedly coordinated the attack alongside other political loyalists.
The development triggered panic among journalists and political observers at the venue, forcing several media practitioners to flee the premises over fears of possible attack.
It was further alleged that certain individuals believed to be supporters of the senator were seen taking photographs and video recordings of reporters at the scene while issuing threats against members of the press, especially the NUJ Chairman.
During the attack, the NUJ Chairman and several journalists were reportedly beaten, threatened, and chased around the premises by suspected thugs.
Witnesses said journalists struggled to protect themselves and salvage their cameras, mobile phones, and other professional equipments amid the chaos.
Several journalists were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries, while communication gadgets and recording devices were reportedly damaged and confiscated during the confrontation.
The alleged assault has sparked outrage within Ebonyi’s media community, with many describing the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and democratic principles. Journalists and civil society organizations accused political actors of attempting to intimidate and silence the media during an important democratic process.
Media stakeholders have demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and prosecution of all persons allegedly involved.
Reacting to the development, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ebonyi State declared that intimidation and violence would not force the media into silence. The union called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate the matter and ensure justice for the assaulted journalists.
Some media practitioners also alleged that politicians in the state have increasingly become hostile toward journalists whenever media reports are perceived to be unfavourable.
Political analysts and rights advocates have warned that attacks on journalists during elections and party primaries threaten public confidence in democracy and weaken accountability in governance.
They stressed that freedom of the press remains vital to transparency, credible elections, and democratic stability. As of the time this report was filed, Senator Ken Chukwuemeka Eze had not officially responded to the allegations, while tension continued to rise in Onueke and nearby communities following the incident.