By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Radio Nigeria Prime FM, Lokoja, Kogi State, has fallen victim to a major act of vandalism as unidentified hoodlums broke into the station in the early hours of Friday, carting away critical broadcasting equipment.
Our correspondent gathered that among the items stolen were three transmitter copper lines, an automatic antenna changeover switch, a set of transmitter copper, 22 RF amplifier modules, a 100Ah battery, one audio console, and a radio device used for audio streaming.
The security guard on duty, Mr. Daniel Haruna, said about fifteen attackers stormed the facility armed with guns and cutlasses, adding that the intruders did not harm him physically but warned him to remain silent, claiming the stolen items were not his personal property.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of Prime FM, Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, described the attack as “unfortunate” and “a disturbing indication of how brazen criminal elements have become.”
He lamented the setback caused by the theft, noting that it may take a considerable amount of time for the station to resume normal operations.
Alhaji Momohjimoh appealed to security agencies to provide support for media houses, particularly during nighttime hours, to prevent similar incidents.
He also called on the management of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to urgently consider perimeter fencing of the station’s premises to deter encroachment and improve security.
In a swift response, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, condemned the act of vandalism and assured that the state government would work with security agencies to apprehend the culprits.
“The Kogi State Government is committed to the protection of all federal establishments within the state.
He said the state government would work with the management of the station to ascertain the degree of vandalizm and also get clues on what led to the unfortunate incident.
“We will be ready to render any possible support to the station in this trying period as we urge federal agencies in the state to be security conscious and always inform the State Government if and when they need support,” Fanwo assured.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
