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Efecha Gold, a reporter with Golden Nation Multimedia, has narrated how the security personnel harassed and brutalized him while covering the Renewed Hope Initiative agricultural empowerment program organized by Nigeria’s first lady on May 14 in Asaba, Delta State
Gold told CrimeFacts news on Sunday that trouble started when he tried to record the moment when persons that are not on the list of beneficiaries were scrambling to get the items for the empowerment.
He said the event was organized for farmers, but it quickly became chaotic after the venue was overcrowded, mostly with the same faces who are seen at nearly every empowerment program in Delta State—many of whom didn’t appear to be actual beneficiaries.
Gold added that the crowd became rowdy as people rushed and pushed to receive items like fertilizers and rice seeds. Stating that he began recording the disorder to document what was happening on the ground.
That’s when things took a dark turn
“Security operatives attached to the First Lady approached me aggressively without asking questions or giving any warning, I was punched, whipped, and dragged out of the venue. They seized my mobile phone—my only work tool—without offering any explanation. I was left stranded, embarrassed in front of colleagues and the crowd.
Lamenting further, he added that his job was simply to report the truth, but he was treated like a criminal.
“My phone was held for more than 40 hours, cutting me off from work, personal contacts, and business communication. With no way to reach anyone, I had to borrow a neighbor’s phone and search old contact files just to get help.
“When I finally got access to the Government House, I wasn’t even allowed to see the Chief Security Officer (CSO) because I had no phone to make a call. I stood outside for hours, helpless.
“Eventually, when I did get into the CSO’s office, the experience got worse. I was accused of having “bad intentions” just because I captured the crowd chaos and didn’t film the more flattering parts of the event. I was then forced to delete every video and photo before they gave my phone back.
“I haven’t received any apology. I lost valuable time and business opportunities and faced emotional stress that no journalist should have to endure just for doing their job.
CrimeFacts news confirmed that the event, the agricultural support programme of the RHI was held in Asaba on May 14.
FRCN reported that the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the initiative as Operation Feed Your Family and Give to Your Neighbours.
The report by FRCN stated that four hundred women farmers, cooperative groups, youths, and members of the school young farmers clubs in Delta were empowered with various farm inputs and financial grants by the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the You Matter Charity Foundation of the Wife of Delta State Governor, Tobore Oborevwori.
