Port Harcourt—An Arise News live broadcast was violently interrupted on Friday night in Rivers State as suspected political thugs stormed Londa Hotel in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Arise Television confirmed the attack in a statement shared on X on Saturday, saying the assailants targeted the hotel during a live interview with Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment. Nwibubasa was discussing the state’s fraught political landscape and the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the armed intruders forced their way into hotel rooms at around 9:15 pm, reportedly searching for both Dr. Nwibubasa and the Arise cameraman. The interruption forced the live broadcast to an abrupt halt, sparking alarm among hotel guests and staff.
While no injuries have been reported so far, the incident has intensified concerns over political violence in Rivers State, with observers warning that the hostility between factions loyal to the governor and the minister may further destabilise the state’s political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Arise News condemned the attack, emphasising the need for media personnel to operate in a secure environment free from intimidation. Local security agencies have yet to comment on the incident.
