By Our Correspondent
On Friday night, January 2, 2026, suspected political thugs violently stormed the Londa Hotel in the Orazi area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, abruptly disrupting a live televised interview being broadcast by Arise News.
The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m., when the Arise News crew was conducting a live interview with Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, on the political climate in the state.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, believed to be armed and acting as political thugs, forcefully entered the hotel premises, breaking into several rooms while chanting in their local language in search of Dr Nwibubasa and the news team.
The sudden invasion caused panic among hotel staff, guests, and journalists, forcing many to flee for safety. When the attackers located the live interview venue, they threatened both the guest and the broadcast team, compelling the live transmission to end abruptly.
In the chaos, the thugs seized valuable broadcast equipment, including a professional camera, tripod, wireless microphones, and other accessories belonging to the news team.
The crew sent a distress message to the police, who responded quickly and helped restore order at the scene. Investigators have since taken statements from those involved as part of ongoing inquiries.
Dr Nwibubasa condemned the attack as dangerous and unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that such intimidation undermines press freedom and democratic expression ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming arrests or identifying suspects in connection with the disruption.
