Suspected political thugs on Friday night, January 2, 2026 invaded Londa Hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and violently disrupted a live television interview by ARISE Television News station.
The incident was disclosed by ARISE News in a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, thereby raised concerns over the safety of journalists and the shrinking civic space in Rivers State.
According to ARISE News, the incident took place while its crew was conducting a live interview with a former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, who was speaking on the political situation in the state.
Eyewitnesses account said the assailants who were armed, stormed the hotel at about 9:15 p.m. and broke into several rooms in search of Dr. Nwibubasa and the ARISE News cameraman.
The thugs were reported to have chanted songs in their local language while forcefully opening doors and confiscating mobile phones of guests, a development that forced staff of the Hotel and guests to take to their heels in panic and for cover.
ARISE News reported that the attackers finally located the venue of the interview and expectedly threatened Dr. Nwibubasa and members of the television crew to stop the live broadcast.
The broadcast was eventually forced to an abrupt end, but the crew of ARISE News were able to send a distress call to their colleagues which led to the immediate notification of the police.
It was gathered that the police authorities have since taken statements from all those involved in the incident.
However, ARISE News stated that the suspected thugs carted away broadcast equipment belonging to the station, including a Sony Canada Zed 280 camera, an industrial tripod, a wireless microphone and other accessories.
The station further further stated that the same ARISE News crew had on same Friday, covered an event attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In his reaction, Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the attack, stressing that it was unhealthy and dangerous for democracy.
