Concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists intensified in Rivers State on Friday night, January 2, 2026, after suspected political thugs violently disrupted a live ARISE News television interview at Londa Hotel, Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred around 9:15 p.m., happened while ARISE News was broadcasting a live interview with a former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, who was analysing the political situation in the state.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, ARISE News said armed assailants stormed the hotel, breaking into several rooms in an apparent manhunt for Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the television crew. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers chanted songs in their local language, forcefully opened doors and seized mobile phones from guests, triggering panic and forcing hotel staff and lodgers to flee for safety.
The attackers eventually traced the interview location and threatened Dr. Nwibubasa and the ARISE News crew, ordering an immediate halt to the live broadcast. The programme was cut short abruptly, though the crew managed to send a distress alert, prompting swift notification of the police.
Police authorities were said to have responded and have since taken statements from those affected by the incident.
ARISE News, however, disclosed that the assailants carted away key broadcast equipment, including a Sony Z280 camera, an industrial tripod, a wireless microphone and other accessories.
The station also revealed that the same crew had earlier on Friday covered a public event in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting to the attack, Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the incident, warning that such acts pose a serious threat to democracy and free expression. He described the disruption of a live media interview as dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society, calling on authorities to ensure the protection of journalists and uphold citizens’ right to free speech.
Attack on ARISE TV Crew Raises Fresh Fears Over Media Freedom in Rivers
