In a brazen assault on press freedom, armed youths suspected to be political thugs violently disrupted a live television broadcast by Arise Television in Rivers State on Friday night. The attackers invaded a hotel in the Orazi area of Obio Akpor Local Government Area, seizing expensive broadcast equipment and forcing an abrupt end to the programme.
Invasion During Live Political Interview
The incident occurred around 9:15 pm on Friday while the Arise TV crew was conducting a live interview for its programme, News Night. The guest was Leloonu Nwibubasa, the former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment in Rivers State. According to eyewitness accounts, Nwibubasa was analysing the political situation in the state, expressing views perceived as critical of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
A source at the scene revealed that a man in the hotel lounge allegedly alerted the armed group. "They were chanting in Ikwerre that they would not allow such an interview on their land," the anonymous source said. The assailants forcefully opened doors while searching for the former commissioner and the journalists, causing panic among hotel staff and guests who fled for safety.
Narrow Escape and Equipment Theft
Nwibubasa and the Arise TV cameraman, identified as Promise, narrowly avoided physical harm as the thugs broke into rooms, declaring the interview "anti-Wike" and illegitimate for the area. The attackers eventually located the broadcast set, threatening the participants and compelling them to stop the live transmission.
Arise TV reporter Andy Omano recounted immediately contacting the police control room for assistance. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) later arrived with a team and, alongside the hotel manager, secured the safe evacuation of Nwibubasa and the journalist to the Kala Police Station for official statements.
The cameraman, Promise, reported the theft of crucial broadcast gear by the attackers. The stolen items include:
- A Sony Canada Zed 280 camera
- An industrial tripod
- A wireless microphone system
- Several other technical accessories
The assailants reportedly fled the scene upon the arrival of police officers.
Condemnation and Democratic Fears
Former Commissioner Leloonu Nwibubasa strongly condemned the attack, labelling it a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria. "I was already rounding off the interview and speaking about the forthcoming 2027 general elections. They are already showing us signs of what will happen," he stated. He expressed alarm at the thugs breaking down doors to find him, questioning such actions in a free society.
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the freedom of political discourse in Rivers State, highlighting the intimidating tactics sometimes employed to silence opposing viewpoints ahead of crucial electoral cycles.
