Daily Trust photojournalist brutally attacked by traders in Lagos market

A disturbing incident unfolded on Sunday in the Kontagora Market area of Abule-Egba, Lagos, as Daily Trust photojournalist Benedict Uwalaka was brutally assaulted by a group of traders while on assignment.

Uwalaka was documenting the activities of wheelbarrow pushers along Anifowose Street when he was suddenly confronted by three men who accused him of being a government spy. The confrontation quickly escalated as the men raised an alarm, prompting others in the market to join the attack.

According to Uwalaka, the mob seized his camera, tied his hands and feet, and subjected him to a savage beating. “They accused me of working for the government. They said I came to expose them,” he recounted. He added that the assailants threatened to kill him during the ordeal.

The journalist sustained a deep head injury and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Egbeda.

Following the attack, Uwalaka reported the matter to the police at the Oke-Odo Division in Ile-Epo. One of the suspects was apprehended, while others involved in the assault managed to flee the scene.