Armed robbery forces Radio Nigeria station off air in Kogi state

Summary

• Radio Nigeria’s Prime 101.5 FM in Jimgbe, Kogi State, has been forced off air following an armed robbery in the early hours of Saturday, during which critical broadcasting equipment worth millions of naira was stolen
• Over 10 heavily armed men reportedly invaded the station around 1 a.m., operating for more than three hours and making off with essential transmission components
• The General Manager, Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, described the incident as a “major attack” and appealed for immediate support and enhanced security
• Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, condemned the “vandalisation of public infrastructure” and pledged government support to track down the culprits and help the station resume operations

Jimgbe, Kogi State, Nigeria – Radio Nigeria’s Prime 101.5 FM, situated in Jimgbe, Kogi State, has ceased transmission after a daring armed robbery early on Saturday morning. A group of heavily armed men stormed the station, making away with vital broadcasting equipment valued at millions of naira, effectively forcing the station off air.

Eyewitnesses reported that more than 10 armed individuals invaded the station around 1 a.m., spending over three hours at the premises before escaping with essential components required for broadcasting.

Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, the station’s General Manager, addressed newsmen on Saturday, describing the incident as a “major attack” that has brought operations to a complete standstill. “We are currently off air because our equipment has been stolen by armed criminals,” Adeiza lamented, expressing concern about the station’s future. He issued an urgent appeal for immediate support and improved security measures.

The sole security guard on duty, Daniel Haruna, recounted his terrifying ordeal. “When they pointed a torchlight at me, they grabbed me, tied me to a tree and blindfolded me. I couldn’t scream because I was helpless. They operated for more than three hours before leaving. I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Haruna stated.

Among the items stolen were 22 pieces of transmission modules, copper parts of feeder lines, armoured cables, and generator batteries, all crucial for the station’s ability to broadcast.

Reacting to the incident, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, strongly condemned the attack, characterising it as a “vandalisation of public infrastructure.” He assured that the state government would work closely with security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

“We will collaborate with the management of the station to assess the extent of damage and uncover leads that can help identify those responsible,” Fanwo affirmed.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting federal institutions within the state and pledged support to help the station resume operations swiftly. Furthermore, Fanwo urged all federal agencies in Kogi State to maintain vigilance and promptly notify the government when in need of security assistance.