Journalists get beaten everywhere, just accept it, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Abiodun Olumide tells me

Sir: I know it’s a good day at your end and I don’t need to ask if it’s a good day because you are one of the few privileged Nigerians. Sir, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Abiodun Olumide; my name is Eniola Daniel, and I am a journalist with the flagship of the Nigerian media, The Guardian.

On May 30, 2024, Head of Enforcement, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Olusoji Olaopa, led attacks on me. I became the third journalist he assaulted in seven months. Olaopa ordered that I should be beaten and dragged from the scene of a four-storey building collapse at 15 Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island while I was on duty to report the incident.



While an official of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) shouted, “You know he’s a journalist, he identified himself already,” Olaopa dragged me further, punching him while his subordinate slapped him. An official of the agency broke bottles and threatened to stab me. Olaopa boasted that he would beat me and nothing would happen.

He said, “You are stupid, I will beat you and nothing will happen. Step out now.” He then pushed the journalist to the floor with the aid of a mobile police officer attached to him.

I suffered multiple bruises. I suffered tinnitus as a result of the slaps and I am yet to recover from it. I reached out to the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, he said, “I will look into it and get across to you.

” In June, you invited me to your office and I honoured the invitation. You promised to get back to me after taking up the matter with the state’s governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. No one was punished for the assault; my medical bill was not taken up and your actions showed that you do not give a hoot.

This is seven months after the incident sir. Before I left your office, you said to me, “Journalists get beaten everywhere, just accept it. Sorry for your experience.

Journalists get killed but when they need them, the same person looks for them. I will meet with the governor and call you later. • Eniola Daniel is a journalist.

He writes from Lagos..