Armed youths, believed to be political thugs, stormed a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Friday night, disrupting a live interview by Arise Television. The attackers reportedly seized cameras and other broadcasting equipment during the incident.
The Arise TV team was conducting a live segment on News Night with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, when the assailants arrived at the hotel around 9:15 p.m. Sources claim the attack was triggered by remarks made by Nwibubasa on the state’s political situation that allegedly did not align with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Eyewitnesses said the thugs, chanting in their local Ikwerre language, forced doors open while searching for both the former commissioner and the Arise TV crew. Hotel staff and guests reportedly fled in panic as the armed men threatened the interview participants to stop broadcasting.
Arise TV reporter Andy Omano, who escaped, contacted the police for assistance. “I called the police control room and alerted my colleagues. The police assured me they were on their way,” he said.
The Divisional Police Officer, together with the hotel manager, later escorted Nwibubasa and the journalists safely to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken.
Arise TV cameraman, Promise, recounted that the thugs seized his Sonny Canada Zed 280 camera, industrial tripod, wireless microphone, and other equipment. He said the attackers fled when police arrived.
The former commissioner condemned the attack, describing it as an affront to democracy. “I was already rounding off the interview and speaking about the forthcoming 2027 general elections. This attack shows the threats to free expression. This is a free society,” he said.
