Armed youths suspected to be political thugs on Friday night invaded a hotel along the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and disrupted a live interview being broadcast by Arise Television, making away with broadcast equipment.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, the incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. while an Arise TV crew was conducting a live interview on News Night with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The assailants reportedly forced the live programme to an abrupt end.
Sources at the hotel said the interview, which focused on the political situation in Rivers State, was perceived by the attackers as critical of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. It was alleged that a man at the hotel lounge alerted the assailants shortly before they stormed the premises.
According to eyewitness accounts, the armed youths moved through the hotel aggressively, chanting in the Ikwerre language and threatening staff and guests. They allegedly broke into several rooms while searching for Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the Arise TV crew, causing panic among hotel occupants.
The Arise TV cameraman, identified as Promise, said the attackers seized his Sony Z280 broadcast camera, industrial tripod, wireless microphones, and other accessories. He said the assailants fled the scene upon the arrival of security operatives.
Arise TV reporter, Mr. Andy Omano, said he contacted the police control room during the incident. He added that officers led by the Divisional Police Officer for the area responded promptly and secured the hotel. The police, in collaboration with hotel management, escorted Dr. Nwibubasa and the journalists out of the premises to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken.
Speaking after the incident, Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the attack, describing it as a threat to democratic values and press freedom.
“I was already rounding off the interview and speaking on the forthcoming 2027 general elections when the assailants stormed the venue,” he said. “This is a free society, and such actions are not healthy for democracy.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
