In the early hours of Friday, soldiers from the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, apprehended Mr. Dele Fasan, the South-South Bureau Chief of Galaxy Television. This occurred as he was recording video clips during a planned labor protest in the area.
Furthermore, a human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe, was taken by the soldiers to a nearby military barracks following a minor altercation with other activists including Kelvin Ejumudo and others.
However, the scheduled protest in the Delta metropolis did not take place, as it was called off after key stakeholders met and discussed the issues the previous night.
The incident involving the mistreatment of the television journalist occurred at the well-known DSC roundabout in Effurun, where witnesses stated that soldiers allegedly assaulted him, using the butt of their guns.
Witnesses mentioned that Fasan was detained by the soldiers in the presence of a police team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola.
However, Fasan was later released by the soldiers after the police chief and colleagues intervened, appealing to Army Commander, Major AE Ohegbe, for his release and removal of the handcuffs.
In a conversation with reporters shortly after his release, Fasan explained that he was attempting to capture video footage of the protest scene, which had already been taken over by security personnel when the soldiers confronted him.
Fasan expressed gratitude to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Aina Adesola, for swiftly intervening in the situation.
