Enugu — THE Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, South East Zone, Sunday, expressed concern over the alleged assault, harassment, curtailment of fundamental human right and hostage taking of PUNCH Newspapers correspondent in Enugu State, Mr. Ozioma Ubabuko, at about 11pm Saturday night by men who claimed to be security operatives.

According to Mr. Ubabuko, the SSS men blocked him at the entrance of his residence located around Trans-Ekulu area of Enugu metropolis, got into his car and asked him to surrender his phones and laptop, warning him not to dare write any story for his media organization that night.

Ubabuko said they went with him into his apartment and confiscated his laptop and held him hostage till the early hours of Sunday morning before they left, when it became obvious they had accomplished their mission.

In a statement signed by the National Vice-President, South East zone, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, the union noted that the action of the men was not only barbaric but repugnant and a clampdown on the fourth estate of the realm.