Some Policemen attached to the Osun State Joint Task Force to enforce the usage of face-mask in the state brutalized a DAILY POST correspondent, Sikiru Obarayese while covering the process on Monday.
Obarayese was beaten at the popular Old Garage area of Osogbo, the state capital of the state alongside an aged woman and other members of the public.
According to Obarayese who sustained open injuries on his left elbow and right hackle, the operatives beat the journalist on his duty in the presence of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke.
He said, a policeman attached to the JTF approached him, asked to stop taking pictures when the task force was harassing some of the member of the public and beating people with baton.
Several other residents of the state were also harassed by the security officers who were hitherto mandated to mete out fines to erring members of the public.
Obarayese in his account said, “I was taking pictures with my phone when the operatives were harassing those who didn’t use a face mask. A woman was reporting that they had beat her and I was recording the woman.”
“The Joint Task Force led by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke approached me, asked why I am taking pictures. I told them this a public place and also informed them that I am a journalist.
“In the cause of bringing out my ID from my pocket, a policeman attached to the JTF said “you are mad, where is your ID card” and wanted to snatch my phone.”
“Four policemen attacked me and started slapping and hit me with a baton in my joints hands and leg with the aim to destroy the phone. I fell and they were matching me. To my surprise, I heard the Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy ordering them to beat me and take me along with those they had arrested.”
“I was later released when some journalists at the venue approached them.”
Obarayese has been treated at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.
