By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalist Ladi Bala by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa.
According to a press release signed by Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, the incident occurred on August 27, 2025, while Bala was covering the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment. Opeifa allegedly subjected Bala to verbal abuse, including derogatory language and personal attacks, disrupted her live reporting, and threatened her with physical removal.
The NUJ views this behavior as a blatant violation of Bala’s fundamental rights and dignity, and a grave threat to press freedom. The union demands an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa and calls on the NRC to prevent such incidents in the future.
The NUJ FCT Council stands in solidarity with Bala and reiterates its commitment to zero tolerance for harassment and abuse of journalists. The union will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard journalists’ rights and welfare.
