GBV advocacy groups back call by NUJ on Police quick investigation of attack on RHYTHM FM station in Bayelsa
…seeks prosecution of 57 years old man uncle allege defilement of 14 years old niece in Swali
The National leadership of the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV) has thrown its weight behind the call by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for the quick investigation of the weekend attack on the Silverbird Radio station, Rhythm FM by some unknown gunmen in broad daylight.
According to the AWAGBV, the attack on a media organization is a clear attack on the voice of various victims of gender-based violence who desire to be heard and the people’s right of freedom of expression.
The National President of the AWAGBV, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, in a statement on Tuesday, called on the Bayelsa State Police Command to accelerate its investigation into the incident and bring the culprits involved to book.
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, had on Monday condemned in its entirety the recent attack by gunmen on a private radio station, Rhythm 94.7Fm, Yenagoa.
The State Council was informed that the gunmen on two separate, days, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at about 2:10pm and on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 4:40pm attacked the station and carted away valuables including mobile phones, recorders and operational gadgets belonging to staff on duty.
In the statement on behalf of the NUJ State Council Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, the Secretary of Council, Comrade Stanley Imgbi noted that the attack is a rape on the entire media family in Bayelsa State and an attack on press freedom.
Meanwhile, the AWAGBV has also called on the Bayelsa State Police Command to immediately apprehend and prosecute a 57 years old man over his alleged defilement of a 14 years old niece in a local boat in Swali community of Yenagoa local Government at the weekend.
According to the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), the alleged defilement of the minor is one that calls for joint intervention by all stakeholders fighting against sexual and Gender based violence.
President of the AWAGBV, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, stated that” We are sad over this news that has gone viral, and with all sense of humidity, we most humbly call on the Bayelsa police command to spring into action, investigate, and prosecute the alleged perpetrator.”
