Blessing Iruoma
A popular radio station, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, WISH 99.5 fm has been hit by an explosive device, which partially destroyed the premises.
The radio station, including the Atlantic Television Network in same premises, is believed to be owned by a federal lawmaker and strong supporter of the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Hon. Chinyere Igwe.
The lawmaker is among other PDP members who had stood in support of the position of the Party’s Presidential candidate, even when Governor Nyesom Wike refused to support the candidate over Party’s internal crisis.
Speaking on the incident, Igwe thanked God that no life was lost in the incident, saying that the police had already commenced on investigation to unravel reason for the explosion.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command, has confirmed the explosive attack at the premises of WISH 99.5fm/Atlantic Television Network, in Port Harcourt.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, on Wednesday, disclosed that investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause of the explosion.
Iringe-Koko explained, “On Tuesday, 21st February 2023 at about 8.45pm Information received from one Peter Anietie of 99.5 WISH FM/Atlantic Television Network has it that some hoodlums threw an explosive device into the generator house and transformer area, which caused damage to generators and a 500kva transformer as well as a transformer feeder panel and electronic appliances in both the radio and television stations.
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“Fortunately no life was lost. Operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Department (EOD) have been deployed to the scene for swift and detailed investigation with a view to ascertaining the veracity of the information and to unravel what exactly caused the explosion”.
The Command, however, assured that if the incident was orchestrated by anyone or group, the culprits would be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law.
The Command also assured residents of Rivers of their safety especially at this period the general elections.
“It will leave no stone unturned in providing quality security for all persons residing in or visiting the state”.
