Armed youths, reportedly political thugs, stormed a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Friday night, interrupting a live broadcast by Arise TV. The assailants seized cameras and other equipment, forcing the crew to abandon the interview midway.

The Arise TV team was conducting a live segment of News Night with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, when the attackers arrived. Sources allege that the interview, which touched on political matters critical of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, prompted a man at the hotel to summon the armed group.

The thugs, armed and chanting in Ikwerre, reportedly searched hotel rooms for the former commissioner and the Arise crew. Hotel staff fled as the attackers attempted to break into the interview area, threatening the participants to halt the program.

Reporter Andy Omano contacted police, who quickly responded and secured the safe exit of both Dr. Nwibubasa and the Arise team to the Kala Police Station, where statements were taken. Cameraman Promise recounted that the attackers took his Sonny Canada Zed 280 camera, industrial tripod, wireless microphone, and other equipment, fleeing only when police arrived.

Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the incident, describing it as a dangerous sign for democracy in Rivers State. He stressed that the attack occurred while discussing the upcoming 2027 general elections, highlighting threats to free expression in the state.