Two well-known media figures in Jos, Plateau State, Sapphire Ngwan and Dyiltu Joan, were subjected to intimidation and dehumanisation by anonymous security guards in the vicinity of the well-known Old Airport Roundabout on Sunday night, in an alarming incident that took place. One of the victims, a journalist for the Abuja City Journal, Dyiltu Joan, experienced this upsetting incident on the way home from the Jos Makeup Festival.
The security personnel, reportedly military men, halted the women, compelling them to sit on the ground for an extended period, accompanied by threats of physical harm and unclear detainment reasons. The justification given was that the women had passed behind where the officers were stationed.
A young man attempting to intervene faced similar threats and was ordered to sit on the ground. Tensions escalated as one of the women, the ACJ journalist, was forcibly instructed to wear her heels after removing them.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, two of the soldiers obscured their uniforms with jackets, lacking identifiable name tags, raising questions about accountability. The presence of a minor during the incident heightened concerns as inappropriate conversations allegedly transpired.
The security personnel claimed to be maintaining peace following a recent Appeal Court judgment. However, their actions have ignited questions about the disproportionate use of force and intimidation against civilians. This incident contributes to the growing chorus of complaints from young people in Jos, citing frequent harassment and mistreatment by uniformed personnel.
