A group of media practitioners operating under the banner of the Port Harcourt Press has condemned the attack on journalists while carrying out their lawful duties in Rivers State.
The condemnation was made during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Port Harcourt, where Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, former member of the House of Representatives for Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency and Publisher of Port Harcourt Telegraph, described the incident as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the media.
Nwuke alleged that the attack was orchestrated by what he termed “desperate politicians” bent on creating fear and insecurity to stifle free expression. He warned that threats to press freedom posed a broader danger to society.
According to him, any assault on journalists performing their constitutional responsibilities amounted to an attack on democratic values and the public’s right to information.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night, January 2, 2026, when suspected political thugs invaded a popular hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The attackers allegedly stormed the hotel at about 9:15 p.m. and disrupted a live Arise News interview with Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants forced their way into rooms, assaulted the Arise News cameraman, seized broadcasting equipment and attempted to harm both the reporter and the interview guest.
The Port Harcourt Press has called on security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted, stressing that failure to do so could further undermine press freedom and public safety in the state.
