The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has strongly condemned the recent invasion and shutdown of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State government.
The group also denounced threats against Ibadan-based journalist Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM following his role in a radio programme.
IPC Press Freedom Officer Melody Akinjiyan revealed that armed policemen, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official from the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stormed Joy FM in two trucks. During the raid, staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist delivering the 1 PM network news was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.
Describing the incident as an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom, IPC-SPJ called for an urgent investigation into the matter and appropriate sanctions for those responsible.
Akinjiyan also highlighted the threats against Oyeladun, which began after he hosted a programme called Bosenlo.
Following the broadcast, the Chief Press Secretary to the Soun of Ogbomoso allegedly contacted one of Oyeladun’s senior colleagues to express displeasure over comments made by a guest. Shortly after, Oyeladun started receiving threatening phone calls.
“The past few days have been difficult for me and my family. I am receiving death threats simply for doing my job as a journalist. I believe in balanced opinions and free speech, yet I find myself a target in a system that favours the elite,” Oyeladun lamented.
He further claimed that influential figures were pressuring his employer to sack him, stating, “If I lose my job or my life, will they take care of my family? My only crime is being a child of nobody.”
In response, IPC urged the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and security agencies to ensure Oyeladun’s safety. It also called on aggrieved individuals to seek redress through legal means rather than resorting to intimidation or extrajudicial actions.
Additionally, IPC appealed to media freedom organizations, freedom of expression advocates, and human rights groups to join in demanding his protection.
