CALABAR – What began as a minor argument between two journalists ended in bloodshed on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, when a reporter allegedly stabbed his colleague with a broken bottle at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident, which has shocked the state’s media community, saw Ubon Ekanem, a reporter with _Forefront Magazine, allegedly attack Edem Achibong, a reporter with News Emperor Magazine_, during a heated dispute.
How It all Happened
According to Achibong, the confrontation happened at about 7:30 pm at the NUJ press centre. The two were arguing over “a little matter that should not result to that,” he said.
Achibong said Ekanem suddenly hit him with a broken bottle during the altercation.
“Everyone around was surprised,” Achibong told News Emperor. “They could not really comprehend why and how a journalist could be so hot-tempered and deadly to stab his fellow journalist to the extent that he almost stabbed him to death.”
Multiple eyewitnesses described the attack as “jungle justice” passed by Ekanem on Achibong.
NUJ Reacts
The incident has left members of the NUJ, Calabar Chapter, in disbelief. Journalists, who routinely report violence committed by others, found themselves at the center of a violent episode.
At the time of filing this report, the matter is still under investigation. It remains unclear if Ekanem has been formally arrested or charged.
It was really a Dark Day for the Pen Profession
The attack has raised fresh concerns about safety and conduct within the media fraternity.
For a profession that prides itself on holding others accountable, the stabbing has become a painful reminder that journalists are not immune to the same tensions and conflicts they report.
“Absurdity,” one senior journalist in Calabar said. “This is a thing we report when we see others do it. But now it’s us.”
The NUJ leadership in Cross River State is yet to issue an official statement, but sources say disciplinary action is being considered pending the outcome of the police investigation.
News Emperor will continue to monitor the situation and update readers as details emerge.