Kogi radio station bombing claims three including an engineer

firstclassnewsline.net

Solomon Arase,The Acting Inspector-General of Police, has ordered
increased security presence around media houses in the country.
Arase's directive followed the bombing of the office ofTAO FM,a
community radio station, in Okene, Kogi State, on Monday night.
Three people believed to be security men and an engineer were feared
killed and many others injured in the incident.
Arase said in a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations
Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, that his decision was in consonance with
the traditional responsibility of the police to protect lives and
property.
He added that he was appreciative of the contributions of the
media to democratic governance in the country.
The statement read, "The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Solomon
Arase, is concerned about the recent attacks on the media houses, and
journalists. He has, therefore, ordered water-tight security around
media houses nationwide.
"This is in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to
protect lives and property of the citizenry under the law.
"The Acting IG acknowledges the valuable roles of the media to the
enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
"He further advises citizens to be more vigilant and proactive and to
report any suspicious movement or persons to the Police promptly for
appropriate action."
Firstclass newsline gathered on Tuesday morning that two explosions
went off at about 7.20pm on Monday on the premises of the station
which is located in Kuroko, Adavi Local Government Area in Okene
town.
The station is believed to be owned by a former Director-General
of the National Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Tom Adaba.
It was gathered that the gunmen,who carried out the attack had on
arrival on the premises deceived the security men by pretending to
be on a business visit.
A source, who pleaded anonymity said the attack on the station might
not be unconnected with its perceived uncompromising stance on some
political issues and development in the state.
He added that the station had criticised some politicians for
allegedly playing roles that led to violence during Saturday's
House of Assembly re-run election in parts of Kogi Central
Senatorial District of the state.
Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, Shola Adebayo, confirmed
the death of four people and wounding of many.
He said that the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Ogunjemilusi,
visited the station and ordered a thorough investigation.
Adebayo said, " There were two explosions in the place at about 7.20pm
on Monday. We have cordoned off the place and we tried to evacuate the
victims. Three guards at the gate and an engineer died in the blasts.
Many people were injured but no arrest has been made. We are still
investigating the incident."
Many stakeholders like Governor Idris Wada; his deputy, Yomi
Awoniyi; Ogunjemilusi, Kogi State Coordinator, Buhari/Osibanjo
Campaign Organisation, Abdullahi Bello; and the Ohinoyi of
Ebiraland, Ado Ibrahim, have decried the blasts.
Wada, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communication and
Strategy, Edi Jacob, sympathised with the families of the dead
and injured victims.
He called on security agencies to ensure a comprehensive
investigation of the blasts and arrest of the culprits.
Awoniyi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Abu,
decried the bombings as shocking, barbaric and unimaginable.
He said the station had since its establishment been known for its
balanced reportage and promotion of peace and unity in the
senatorial district.
Bello, a former Speaker of the state, said the station was
professional and forthright in its reportage and analysis of issues in
the state.
While commiserating with the families of the victims , he urged the
management of the station not to be deterred by the attack.
He said, "The radio came on board when all of us needed to hear about
ourselves and we needed to change our behaviours, attitudes and
orientation towards one another.
"The government and security agencies should investigate properly,
find the culprits and the motives behind their action.
"I am appealing to the management of the radio station not to be
deterred. They should continue in the good work they are doing."
Ibrahim, who was also on the premises of the station, said the
explosions would not be allowed to recur in the town.
He said, "This attack is a complete shame to the entire Ebiraland and
the state government . This radio station has been serving the people
as its members of staff have done what we did not expect in the area
of sensitising the community to how best to live together in harmony.
"The station is never biased in its reportage; so I wonder why
somebody would think of harming the people working there.
"Enough of these killings on this land. As a traditional ruler I will
not allow this issue to be swept under the carpet. The perpetrator of
this heinous act must be uncovered."
Firstclassnewsline.net