On 2 January 2026, journalists with ARISE News Television were threatened and forced to halt a live broadcast by suspected political thugs while conducting an interview at the Londa Hotel in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The ARISE TV team was conducting an interview with Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment in Rivers State, regarding the political turmoil in the area when a group of individuals believed to be political thugs invaded the location at approximately 9:15 p.m. Witnesses reported that the attackers were armed, forced their way into hotel rooms, confiscated mobile phones, and threatened guests while searching for Dr. Nwibubasa and the Arise TV cameraman. They claimed that the interview was being held in their territory and accused it of being anti-Wike.
According to reports, the attackers later located the broadcasting location, intimidated the ARISE News team, and forced the interview to be discontinued. The journalists managed to send a distress message to colleagues, who alerted the police. Officers later arrived at the scene and took statements; however, the team’s camera, tripod, wireless microphones, and other accessories were reportedly stolen.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the assault, describing it as a dangerous escalation in threats against media workers. The NUJ has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, underscoring that journalists must be allowed to operate without intimidation or harassment.
In related developments, Port Harcourt-based media organisations and publishers have threatened to boycott police activities unless the authorities promptly investigate and hold accountable the perpetrators of the attack on the ARISE TV crew. They stressed that the failure to prosecute those involved could embolden further attacks on journalists in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
This latest assault forms part of a broader pattern of hostility and impunity faced by journalists in Nigeria, where media practitioners routinely encounter threats, harassment, and violence from non-state and political actors while performing their duties.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) strongly condemns the threats and forceful disruption of the ARISE TV live broadcast. We call on Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation, ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, and take urgent steps to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.
