NUJ Condemns Attack on Radio Kogi Facilities, Calls for Probe

NUJ Condemns Attack on Radio Kogi Facilities, Calls for Probe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council has condemned the attack on the facilities of the sub-broadcasting station of Kogi state radio, also known as Radio Kogi in Dekina Local Government Area, and has called for the investigation of the suspected arsonists. The broadcasting station was attacked by suspected vandals who destroyed and

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council has condemned the attack on the facilities of the sub-broadcasting station of Kogi state radio, also known as Radio Kogi in Dekina Local Government Area, and has called for the investigation of the suspected arsonists.

The broadcasting station was attacked by suspected vandals who destroyed and carted valuable materials from the facilities on Monday.

The state NUJ chairman, Mr. Adeiza Momoh, expressed his displeasure with the attack on the radio station in a conversation with NDR on Thursday, stating that even though the broadcasting facilities were situated at the notable part of the community, the arsonists did not hesitate to execute the attack

He added that the attack seemed like a coordinated incident by the vandals against the voice of the people and their freedom to express themselves, given that the radio station is the only medium for the residents of the senatorial district to air their opinions to the public.

Mr. Mohmoh also appealed to the government to bring the suspected arsonists to book while he also urged the members of the public to serve as watchdogs on the public facilities.

“It is quite unfortunate that such an attack could be launched on a radio station that is having a very peaceful community in Kogi East senatorial district and it is disappointing to know that a very saddening occurrence on a radio station that is not entirely in the bush, that is within a community, some people will have the audacity and the freedom to go there, attack and cart away equipment like a generator and what a view.

“I think it is a coordinated attack and another angle to it is that we thank God for the safety of the workers there. But it is so bad that what is giving out information to people, what is mobilising people can be so attacked freely, I’m not aware if anyone can be apprehended, even though the government promised to bring the perpetrators to book.

“I think the benefitting community of the government facilities should do something by preventing the facilities from being vandalised, because the vandals do not come from any place, I believe the insiders are involved.

“I think this is where the government needs to look at, to ensure that those who have hands in it are brought to book. and the community should serve as a watchdog over government establishment.

“On the side of the press, it was a sad day for us in the media industry because that station has been serving the people of that area religiously, that is where go to advertise social events and the likes and it is the only radio station in that region.

“Now that it has been attacked, it means the voice of the people has been shut completely and with the government having many things to do with resources it will take time to bring it back to life again.

A statement issued by Patience Salawu, public relations officer at the state Ministry of Information and Communications, noted that the state governor, Yahaya Bello has ordered the security Operatives to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as deterrence for future occurrences.

She also noted that officials in the state including the commissioner of information Mr Kingsley Fanwo, and the Director General of the Kogi state broadcasting corporation Alh. Ojo Oyila Ozovehe, have visited the station to assess the level of damage done to the facilities.

Ms. Salawu further added although security agencies are already on the leash to apprehend the perpetrators, the attack may halt broadcasting activities from the radio station for the time being, adding that the

“Security agencies are receiving useful intelligence to aid their investigations as the divisional police officer in Egume is working round the clock to apprehend the perpetrators.

“With the level of damage at the station, it is regrettable to note that the broadcasting corporation would not be able to operate for the time being. The government is however committed to returning the station back on air as soon as possible”, she said.

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