By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Armed youths suspected to be political thugs on Friday night invaded a hotel in the Orazi area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, disrupting a live Arise Television interview and carting away broadcast equipment.

The incident occurred while an Arise TV crew was conducting a live interview with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, on the programme News Night.

According to sources, the assailants stormed the hotel around 9:15 p.m., forcing the live broadcast to end abruptly. They reportedly seized a camera, tripod, wireless microphones and other accessories belonging to the television station.

It was alleged that Dr Nwibubasa was discussing the political situation in Rivers State and expressing views perceived as critical of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, when a man at the hotel lounge alerted the attackers.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the armed youths claimed the interview was “anti-Wike” and should not be conducted in the area. The source added that the attackers forced open hotel rooms while searching for Dr Nwibubasa and members of the Arise TV crew.

“They were chanting in Ikwerre that such an interview would not be allowed on their land. Guests and hotel staff ran for safety as they broke doors and issued threats,” the source said.

An Arise TV reporter, Mr Andy Omano, who escaped the attack, said he immediately contacted the police. He confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area later arrived with his men and secured the premises.

“The commissioner and the journalist were eventually escorted out of the hotel and taken to Kala Police Station, where statements were recorded,” Omano said.

The station’s cameraman, identified as Promise, said his Sony Z280 camera, industrial tripod, wireless microphone and other equipment were taken during the incident. He added that the attackers fled upon the arrival of the police.

Reacting to the attack, Dr Nwibubasa condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to democratic freedoms.

“I was rounding off the interview and speaking about the 2027 general elections when they attacked. This is not healthy for democracy. We live in a free society, and people should be allowed to express their views without intimidation,” he said.