Suspected
gunmen on Wednesday attacked the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, office in
Onitsha, Anambra State, torching some equipment and Star Times section in the
premises.
The Acting Manager of
the station, Chris Nwigwe, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Onitsha that the
incident occurred at about 1.40 a.m.
“Some armed men tried
to attack the staff on duty but only succeeded in burning down the Star Times
building,” he said.
He added that no life
was lost in the attack.
A witness said an
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted at the security post of the
station, while tyres were set around the premises to set the station ablaze.
“There was a gun duel
between the armed men and policemen who were manning the office.
“They managed to burn
down the Star Times office while the fire was later put out with the help of
people around.
“This type of incident
has never happened,” the source said.
The
Commissioner of Police in the state, Sam Okaula, who visited the scene with the
Anti-Bomb Squad to evacuate the explosive device, confirmed that three suspects
had been arrested in connection with the incident.
He said that
investigation had begun to unravel the reason for the attack.
Mr. Okaula lauded
police officers manning the office for their bravery. He said their quick
intervention prevented loss of lives and destruction of more property in the
attack.
He warned people
against taking laws into their hands, and assured that the police would get to
the root of the incident.
“Those who take laws
into their hands should be ready to face the repercussion,” he stressed, adding
that the suspects would be prosecuted in court after investigation was
concluded.
NAN reports that three
police patrol vans had been stationed in front of the station to beef up
security.
-NAN
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