Suspected political thugs on Friday night invaded Londa Hotel, located in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, disrupting a live interview being conducted by ARISE News.
The ARISE Television crew was at the hotel for a live interview with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment in Rivers State, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, when the assailants reportedly stormed the premises at about 9:15 p.m.
Dr. Nwibubasa was speaking on the prevailing political situation in the state when the disruption occurred.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who were allegedly armed, forcefully broke into several rooms within the hotel, chanting in their local language while searching for Dr. Nwibubasa and the ARISE News cameraman. Phones belonging to guests were reportedly seized, triggering panic among hotel workers and occupants who ran for safety.
The assailants eventually located the venue where the interview was taking place and allegedly threatened both the former commissioner and members of the ARISE News crew, ordering them to discontinue the interview. The threats forced the journalists to abruptly halt the live broadcast.
Sources said the ARISE News crew quickly sent a distress alert to their colleagues, who immediately notified the police and rushed to the scene. Security operatives later arrived at the hotel and restored calm.
It was gathered that the assailants made away with broadcast equipment, including a Sony Z280 professional video camera, an industrial tripod, wireless microphones, and other accessories.
Police authorities have since taken statements from all those involved in the incident as investigations continue.
Ironically, the ARISE News crew had earlier on Friday covered a political event attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.
Condemning the attack, Dr. Nwibubasa described the incident as disturbing and unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that intimidation of journalists and political actors undermines free expression and democratic principles.
He called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
