Engineer, three others killed in Kogi radio station bombing

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, 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.” The PUNCHgathered 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.