…Gov. Bello directs security agencies to arrest perpetrators
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Ochaja sub-station, has been attacked and broadcast equipment vandalized and valuables, carted away or destroyed by the unknown vandals.
A statement signed by Salawu Patience, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the state Ministry of Information and Communications on Tuesday in Lokoja said the attack was carried out in the night of Monday, June 5.
The statement said that the Information Ministry officials led by the Commissioner, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo and the Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation, Alhaji Ojo Oyila Ozovehe, had paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the station.
It said that the visit was to enable them ascertain the level of damage at the broadcast station.
According to the statement, Governor Yahaya Bello has directed security agencies to swerve into action and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book to forestall possible recurrence.
It said that security agencies were already receiving useful intelligence to aid their investigation into the matter adding that the Divisional Police Station in Egume is working round the clock to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Ministry however expressed the feared that with the level of damage done to the station, it would not be able to operate in the time being.
According to the Information Ministry, the state Government is making efforts to return the station back on air as soon as possible.
The Ministry officials on the assessment tour of the vandalized station thanked the traditional ruler of the host community for his concern over the unfortunate incident.
“We call on communities where government infrastructures are located to ensure safety of the frastructures as vandalization of such assets slows down the pace of progress”, the statement added.
Worthy of note is the fact that the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kogi) Ochaja sub-station is the only radio station serving the people of Kogi East Senatorial District with Information, Education and Entertainment. (Ends)
