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Suspected Political Thugs Storm Rivers State Hotel, Disrupt Live Arise News TV Interview With Ex-Commissioner During Night Attack
Suspected political thugs on Friday night attacked a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcefully disrupting a live Arise News Television interview with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The incident occurred around 9:15 pm while the former commissioner was discussing the political situation in the state during a live broadcast.
Eyewitnesses said the armed assailants stormed the hotel chanting in a local language, forcefully breaking into rooms, seizing phones, and causing panic as staff and guests fled for safety. The attackers reportedly searched specifically for Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the Arise News TV crew before locating the interview venue and issuing threats that forced the broadcast to be abruptly halted.
Police officers later arrived at the scene following distress calls and escorted the former commissioner and journalists to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken. An Arise News TV cameraman disclosed that the attackers seized expensive broadcast equipment, including a Sony Z280 camera, tripod, and wireless microphones, before fleeing upon sighting security operatives.
Dr. Nwibubasa, who confirmed his safety, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous sign for democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. As of the time of reporting, the Rivers State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident. The attack has raised serious concerns about press freedom, political intimidation, and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
Suspected political thugs on Friday night attacked a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcefully disrupting a live Arise News Television interview with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The incident occurred around 9:15 pm while the former commissioner was discussing the political situation in the state during a live broadcast.
Eyewitnesses said the armed assailants stormed the hotel chanting in a local language, forcefully breaking into rooms, seizing phones, and causing panic as staff and guests fled for safety. The attackers reportedly searched specifically for Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the Arise News TV crew before locating the interview venue and issuing threats that forced the broadcast to be abruptly halted.
Police officers later arrived at the scene following distress calls and escorted the former commissioner and journalists to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken. An Arise News TV cameraman disclosed that the attackers seized expensive broadcast equipment, including a Sony Z280 camera, tripod, and wireless microphones, before fleeing upon sighting security operatives.
Dr. Nwibubasa, who confirmed his safety, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous sign for democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. As of the time of reporting, the Rivers State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident. The attack has raised serious concerns about press freedom, political intimidation, and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
Suspected Political Thugs Storm Rivers State Hotel, Disrupt Live Arise News TV Interview With Ex-Commissioner During Night Attack
Suspected political thugs on Friday night attacked a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcefully disrupting a live Arise News Television interview with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The incident occurred around 9:15 pm while the former commissioner was discussing the political situation in the state during a live broadcast.
Eyewitnesses said the armed assailants stormed the hotel chanting in a local language, forcefully breaking into rooms, seizing phones, and causing panic as staff and guests fled for safety. The attackers reportedly searched specifically for Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the Arise News TV crew before locating the interview venue and issuing threats that forced the broadcast to be abruptly halted.
Police officers later arrived at the scene following distress calls and escorted the former commissioner and journalists to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken. An Arise News TV cameraman disclosed that the attackers seized expensive broadcast equipment, including a Sony Z280 camera, tripod, and wireless microphones, before fleeing upon sighting security operatives.
Dr. Nwibubasa, who confirmed his safety, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous sign for democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. As of the time of reporting, the Rivers State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident. The attack has raised serious concerns about press freedom, political intimidation, and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
