By Dada Ahmed.
Until recently, Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, could boast of a modest but vibrant broadcast media landscape.
With three radio stations,one federal (Prime FM 101.5), one state-owned (Radio Kogi FM 94.1), and one privately owned (Grace FM 95.5),Lokoja and indeed the state,enjoyed a range of voices and perspectives that fed the state’s growing appetite for information, entertainment, and civic engagement. But in a troubling turn of events, that landscape has been significantly diminished.
The first major blow came when persons of questionable character vandalized strategic facilities of Prime FM 101.5, following the earlier closure of Grace FM 95.5 about five months ago. Sources attributed the shutdown of Grace FM to operational challenges among other pressing issues. For four months now, the station has been off the air, taking with it a unique voice in the state’s media space.
Just as the dust from that loss began to settle, another crisis struck,this time targeting Prime FM 101.5. On Friday night July 25, 2025, unidentified vandals attacked the station’s transmission facility at Gimgbe, along the Lokoja-Ajaokuta road. They destroyed critical broadcasting equipment, silencing the station and leaving staff and listeners in shock.
Staff of the radio station disclosed that items stolen from the station include 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.
Sources said that about 15 armed attackers stormed the facility with guns and cutlasses, threatened and ordered the security personnel on duty to remain silent as they executed their criminal act.
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 considerable time before the station resumes normal operations.
Residents have also expressed strong concern that these back-to-back incidents have left Lokoja with only the state-owned Radio Kogi as the sole source of terrestrial radio broadcast.
For a state with a population of over four million, spread across rural and urban communities, this alarming development is seen as a threat to democracy, development.
Some media experts argue that the implications of this media contraction are far-reaching,citing access to It is a fact that radio remains the most accessible medium for millions of rural dwellers in Kogi, especially in areas lacking stable electricity or internet coverage. Consequently,with only one functional station, in the state capital,listeners now have limited access to news on civic education, entertainment , economic,weather, religious reports, and emergency alerts among others.
Ardent radio listeners also note that the impact on democratic engagement is deeply concerning sequel to the problem. Experience shows that diverse media outlets provide platforms for political pluralism, citizen participation, and accountability. With only one radio station, these democratic functions made be stifled.
From an economic perspective, it has also be noted that the situation does not augur well for local businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), many of which relied on affordable radio advertising to reach The argument has been that with just one station left, advertising costs could rise, in consonance with the principle of demand and supply in elementary economics,and possibly pricing out smaller businesses and reducing their visibility.
The media sector itself is equally affected. Journalists, producers, technicians, and presenters now face job losses or an uncertain future, in the case of the closed down radio station.
In a state already grappling with unemployment, as in other parts of the federation, discerning minds on Kogi’s media landscape see these disruptions to the creative economy as yet another layer of hardship for professionals who play a crucial role in community development , information dissemination and cultural preservation to say the least.
From a cultural standpoint, the closure of Grace FM and the destruction of Prime FM have reduced the number of radio platforms promoting local languages, music, stories, and traditions in Lokoja and its environs.
It could be recalled that the three stations had featured indigenous content that reflected the ethnic diversity of Kogi. Cultural experts note that a drastic reduction in such platforms has the potential of diminishing opportunities for cultural expression and heritage preservation.
From a security perspective, radio plays a vital role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Whether during elections, natural disasters, or communal clashes, timely and accurate information saves lives. More so,with only one station left, disseminating critical emergency information becomes more difficult. This underscores the urgent need to repair Prime FM and reopen Grace FM without delay.
There is also a regional development dimension to consider. Kogi State’s central location in Nigeria gives it strategic geopolitical importance. An enhanced local media landscape is essential for asserting the state’s identity, attracting investment, and shaping narratives about its potential.
Media analysts warn that if this situation continues, Kogi could become increasingly isolated from national discourse and developmental opportunities.
But amid the gloom, there is still hope. The growing use of mobile phones and internet access opens new opportunities for digital radio and podcasting.
Media entrepreneurs,supported by government and development partners,are being urged to explore online platforms to reach audiences, boost independent journalism, and create innovative media solutions while efforts are on to rectify the problem.
It is appropriate to mention here that that Public-Private partnerships equally remain a crucial tool in ensuring pursuance of active broadcasting in the state at large.
The federal government, particularly the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), must intervene. After all,the vandalism of Prime FM is a federal matter that warrants thorough investigation.
Concerted efforts must be used to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice to deter others in their show , and swift action should be taken to rebuild and secure the facility through perimeter fencing of the station.
Ultimately, this challenge in Kogi’s broadcast space should not be treated merely as a media issue, but a development emergency. This is because a vibrant media sector is not a luxury but a necessity for social justice, political accountability, economic growth, and cultural identity. Therefore,for Kogi State to thrive, its people must not be left in the dark.
In a swift response, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the vandalism of Prime FM and assured that the state government would work with security agencies to apprehend the culprits.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to the protection of all federal establishments and promised support to Prime FM in assessing the damage and identifying the perpetrators for justice to take its cause.
More importantly, well-to-do indigenes of Kogi State are encouraged to see this challenge as a clarion call to invest in establishing more media houses,radio or television,to project the state’s rich natural potential beyond the shores of Nigeria,boost human its resources and attract development to the state.
Ahmed is the publisher of The Reporters.
