#EndSARS Protests: Nation Newspaper Counts Loses
Condemns targeted attack on free press
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – The management of The Nation Newspaper has condemned the torching of its Head office building at Matori in Lagos by suspected hoodlums, describing it as a targeted and unwarranted attack on free press.
In a press statement titled: “The Nation Under Attack”, the paper regretted that: “The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.”
The statement signed by its Editor, Adeniyi Adesina said; “The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack”, given its robust and fair reportage of the ongoing #EndSARS protests.
The Tabloid, which maintained having acquitted itself among the frontline media that constantly give a “voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria”, praised men of Operation Mesa security outfit whose arrival on the scene ended the free rein of the invaders on the Nation’s premises.
The ugly incident came just hours after the head office of Television Continental (TVC) was also set ablaze in Lagos by some unidentified persons
Both media outfits have links with the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Going by disturbing social media messages by some self-styled supporters and sympathizers of the #EndSARS Campaigners, there are strong indications that Tinubu’s assets were primed for the alleged targeted attacks.
Below is the full statement by The Nation‘s management issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
“The Nation under attack
“Armed men on motorcycles invaded the headquarters of The Nation on Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos on Wednesday afternoon.
“In a commando-like manner, they kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns.
“They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it. Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised
“Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on.
“These include desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment.
“At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.
“They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived. Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders.
“It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press. The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.
“The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria.
“The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack.”
ADENIYI ADESINA,
Editor, The Nation
