Durbar: Two journalists escape gun attack in Ilorin

By Muyideen Aliyu

The Police Orderly attached to the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, allegedly attacked journalists assigned to cover the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Durbar on Thursday at the Baseball Park, Adewole, Ilorin.

The incident occurred when Sodiq Adebara of Harmony FM (Radio Nigeria) and Toyin Saheed of Sobi FM attempted to interview the Director-General at the annual Ilorin Emirate cultural festival.

Eyewitnesses reported that a fracas broke out after the journalists approached the DG for an interview. The orderly allegedly punched the journalists and threatened them with a gun while they were carrying out their official duties.

The situation drew the attention of bystanders whose intervention prevented further escalation and saved the media professionals from harsher assault.

However, several gadgets and mobile phones belonging to the journalists were damaged during the scuffle before the crowd could intervene.

This incident marks another unfortunate case of intimidation and harassment of journalists by security personnel attached to public office holders.

The development further highlights the growing threats faced by journalists and ordinary citizens from certain security operatives while performing their lawful responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the affected journalists have concluded arrangements to submit a formal petition to the office of the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority regarding the alleged assault, threats, and destruction of property.

Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Annual Durbar Committee, Engineer Yahaya Alapansapa, for a statement proved abortive, as his line could not be reached at the time of filing this report.