“FM Station Owned by Federal Government Attacked by Hoodlums ”
In the early hours of Tuesday, a gang of four hoodlums targeted the Federal government-owned Radio Nigeria FM station in Idofian town, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Arriving on two motorcycles, the assailants vandalized the radio station’s equipment and made off with valuable items. They carried out their operation around 4 a.m. after subduing and assaulting the night guard. In addition to their theft, they also confiscated the phones of the on-duty staff during the attack.
As a consequence of the damaged cables, the FM frequency, owned by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), was compelled to cease operations.
The Assistant Director of Programmes, representing the General Manager of the station, Hajia Binta Abubakar Mora, expressed deep concern over the attack, considering it a significant threat to the broadcasting industry in Nigeria.
She stated, “This is a great threat to the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. This had previously occurred to our sister stations in Lokoja, Kogi State, and even in Lafia, Nassarawa State.”
“At present, we are off-air. The damage has been done. The affected armored cables are very expensive. It has become a burden on the management to fix this,” she added during a press tour of the station’s premises.
While highlighting the importance of the safety and well-being of their staff, Hajia Mora called for government assistance in improving the station’s working environment. She stressed that the station’s location was not conducive for its operations.
Hajia Mora also appealed to the Nigerian government to intervene and enable the station to resume its broadcasting operations.