On April 27, 2021, nine journalists who report for different media organisations in Rivers State, including Rhythm FM radio, Rivers State Television, Sweet Crude, Sahara Reporters, Wish FM radio, Today’s FM radio and Arise Television, were attacked by suspected hoodlums at the New Airport Road in Rumuagholu community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state where they had gone to cover a press briefing.
The attack allegedly took place in the presence of operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Rivers State Police Command who did nothing to stop the attack.
The journalists’ personal belongings and work equipment including nine smart phones, two cameras, one HDV Sonny and Canon and their accessories, audio recorder, wrist watches, two medicated eye glasses and cash were confiscated by the hoodlums.
Two of the journalists, UchenduEjiowhor of Today’s FM and AhamChijioke of Sahara Reporters were also arrested by the Anti-Cultism Unit but later released on the intervention of the NUJ leadership.
