Armed youths suspected to be political thugs on Friday night stormed a hotel in the Orazi area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcing the abrupt termination of a live television programme and allegedly making away with broadcast equipment.
The incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. while a television crew was conducting a live interview with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, at the hotel.
Sources said the interview, which focused on the political climate in Rivers State, was cut short after the assailants invaded the premises. It was alleged that a man in the hotel lounge alerted the attackers shortly after the discussion began.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the youths were armed and moved aggressively through the hotel, chanting in the Ikwerre language and threatening to stop the broadcast. According to the source, the attackers forced open several rooms while searching for Dr Nwibubasa and members of the television crew.
Hotel staff and guests were said to have fled in panic as the situation escalated. The attackers eventually reached the location of the interview and allegedly issued threats that compelled the crew to discontinue the programme.
A member of the television crew said a distress call was placed to the police control room as the incident unfolded. Police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer for the area, later arrived at the hotel.
With the assistance of hotel management, the police safely escorted Dr Nwibubasa and the television crew out of the premises to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken.
Dr Nwibubasa condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable development that undermines democratic principles and freedom of expression.
