Engineer, three others killed in Kogi radio station bombing

The Acting Inspector-General of
Police, Solomon Arase, has
ordered increased security
presence around media houses in
the country.
Arase’s directive followed the
bombing of the office of TAO FM, a
community radio station, in Okene,
Kogi State, on Monday night.
Three people believed to be
security men and an engineer were
feared killed and many others
injured in the incident.
Arase said in a statement on
Tuesday by the Force Public
Relations Officer, Emmanuel
Ojukwu, that his decision was in
consonance with the traditional
responsibility of the police to
protect lives and property.
He added that he was appreciative
of the contributions of the media
to democratic governance in the
country.
The statement read, “The Acting
Inspector-General of Police,
Solomon Arase, is concerned about
the recent attacks on the media
houses, and journalists. He has,
therefore, ordered water-tight
security around media houses
nationwide.
“This is in line with the mandate of
the Nigeria Police Force to protect
lives and property of the citizenry
under the law.
“The Acting IG acknowledges the
valuable roles of the media to the
enthronement of democracy in
Nigeria.
“He further advises citizens to be
more vigilant and proactive and to
report any suspicious movement or
persons to the Police promptly for
appropriate action.”
The PUNCH gathered on Tuesday
morning that two explosions went
off at about 7.20pm on Monday on
the premises of the station which
is located in Kuroko, Adavi Local
Government Area in Okene town.
The station is believed to be
owned by a former Director-
General of the National
Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Tom
Adaba.
It was gathered that the
gunmen,who carried out the attack
had on arrival on the premises
deceived the security men by
pretending to be on a business
visit.
A source, who pleaded anonymity
said the attack on the station might
not be unconnected with its
perceived uncompromising stance
on some political issues and
development in the state.
He added that the station had
criticised some politicians for
allegedly playing roles that led to
violence during Saturday’s House
of Assembly re-run election in parts
of Kogi Central Senatorial District
of the state.
Kogi State Police Public Relations
Officer, Shola Adebayo, confirmed
the death of four people and
wounding of many.
He said that the state
Commissioner of Police, Samuel
Ogunjemilusi, visited the station
and ordered a thorough
investigation.
Adebayo said, “ There were two
explosions in the place at about
7.20pm on Monday. We have
cordoned off the place and we tried
to evacuate the victims. Three
guards at the gate and an engineer
died in the blasts. Many people
were injured but no arrest has
been made. We are still
investigating the incident.”
Many stakeholders like Governor
Idris Wada; his deputy, Yomi
Awoniyi; Ogunjemilusi, Kogi State
Coordinator, Buhari/Osibanjo
Campaign Organisation, Abdullahi
Bello; and the Ohinoyi of
Ebiraland, Ado Ibrahim, have
decried the blasts.
Wada, who spoke through his
Special Adviser on Communication
and Strategy, Edi Jacob,
sympathised with the families of
the dead and injured victims.
He called on security agencies to
ensure a comprehensive
investigation of the blasts and
arrest of the culprits.
Awoniyi, in a statement by his Chief
Press Secretary, Michael Abu,
decried the bombings as shocking,
barbaric and unimaginable.
He said the station had since its
establishment been known for its
balanced reportage and
promotion of peace and unity in
the senatorial district.
Bello, a former Speaker of the
state, said the station was
professional and forthright in its
reportage and analysis of issues in
the state.
While commiserating with the
families of the victims , he urged
the management of the station not
to be deterred by the attack.
He said, “The radio came on board
when all of us needed to hear
about ourselves and we needed to
change our behaviours, attitudes
and orientation towards one
another.
“The government and security
agencies should investigate
properly, find the culprits and the
motives behind their action.
“I am appealing to the
management of the radio station
not to be deterred. They should
continue in the good work they are
doing.”
Ibrahim, who was also on the
premises of the station, said the
explosions would not be allowed
to recur in the town.
He said, “This attack is a complete
shame to the entire Ebiraland and
the state government . This radio
station has been serving the
people as its members of staff
have done what we did not expect
in the area of sensitising the
community to how best to live
together in harmony.
“The station is never biased in its
reportage; so I wonder why
somebody would think of harming
the people working there.
“Enough of these killings on this
land. As a traditional ruler I will not
allow this issue to be swept under
the carpet. The perpetrator of this
heinous act must be uncovered.”

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