Yobe Government House CSO apologises for assault on NTA reporter
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Yobe State Government House, Yakubu Zakari Deba, has personally visited the NTA Damaturu station to tender a public apology to reporter Baba Gana Kolo, whom he assaulted.
The apology on Friday, November 7th, 2025, comes a day after the controversial incident at the Yobe State House of Assembly on Thursday, which sparked immediate criticism and pressure from journalists across the state.
The embattled CSO was led to the station by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, Comrade Rajab Mohammed Ismail.
They were accompanied by a team of journalists and Yusuf Ali, the Focal Person on Strategies and Digital Communication.
Meeting with his victim, Baba Gana Kolo, as well as the management and staff of NTA Damaturu, Deba expressed deep regret over his actions.
“I’m personally here to say sorry for my behaviour yesterday which caused harm to you and embarrassed other journalists around the vicinity and the state at large. I took full responsibility and sought forgiveness,” Deba stated.
This resolution was facilitated by the swift intervention of the NUJ leadership, the State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, and the State Commissioner of Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Abdullahi Bego.
The Chairman of the NTA Damaturu NUJ Chapel, Comrade Aliyu Mohammed Babi, was also present to witness the apology, marking a significant step towards mending the rift between the government security apparatus and the press corps.
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