The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned the attack on a broadcast outfit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South-south, Nigeria.
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening.
The police in Rivers State said they received information that hoodlums threw an explosive device into the premises of the broadcast station, causing damage to a power generating set, a 500KVA transformer, transformer feeder panel, and electronic appliances in the radio station (Wish FM 99.5) and its sister television station (Atlantic Television Network).
No life was lost in the incident, the police said.
A statement on Thursday from Ahmed Shekarau, secretary of IPI Nigeria, said the President of the organisation, Musikilu Mojeed, has called on the federal government to fish out perpetrators of the attack and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We call on the Nigerian authority to provide security for media houses and ensure the security of journalists.
“Rather than resort to self-help, anyone aggrieved by reports published or aired by any media houses should approach the court to seek redress.
“Indiscriminate attacks on media houses will lead to anarchy. This is the more reason that attacks on the radio and television stations in Port Harcourt should promptly be investigated.
The IPI further urged Governor Nyesom Wike to ensure the safety of journalists and media organisations in his state.
“We further appeal to journalists to observe all professional ethics in carrying out their duties”, the statement said.
Rivers govt reacts
Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, when contacted on Wednesday, said Mr Wike was “too busy with governance” to have attacked people who have no “electoral worth.”
He described the allegation as untrue.
“The accusation that Gov Wike is behind whatever is happening to them is, of course, a lie from the pit of hell. These individuals have failed in their bid to scam Mr Atiku that they have followers in Rivers State.
“These people who artfully dodged holding a rally for their presidential candidate; they have no billboard for their candidate, have resorted to melodrama, which failed. Now, out of desperation to save and rehabilitate their shattered and battered image and reputation before Atiku, have resorted to blaming their misfortunes on Mr Wike,” Mr Finebone said.
