THE INTERNATIONAL Press Centre (IPC) has condemned in strongest terms the invasion of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, Benue State by the Benue State government.
The IPC also condemned and raised great concern over the reported threats on the life of Ibadan-based journalist Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM.
The IPC, which raised the concern through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub, in a statement on Monday signed by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, said that its Safety Alert Desk was informed that Oyeladun in a ‘save my soul’ message posted on his Facebook wall on January 30, 2025 alleged threats to his life.
The broadcast journalist had alleged that the threats were related to a programme he anchored tagged “Bosenlo” after which the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Soun of Ogbomoso reached out to one of his senior colleagues to express his grievances about the comments of one of the guests.
Oyeladun said that since then, he began to receive strange threat calls.
Oyeladun’s post on his Facebook wall on January 30, 2025 at 4:21pm, reads: “The past few days have been hard for me and my family!
“I’m facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balance [sic] opinion and free speech in democratic setting. I’m living in a society where system favour [sic] the elite and those in position [sic] of authority.
“I have become a soft target in elite chess games and their pursuit of self-aggrandizement. There is pressure from high places to get me sack of my job! [sic] If I loose [sic] my job or life will they take care of my children and family? My offense? being a child of nobody.
“Friend and family please keep praying for my safety
“You will hear from me at the right time.”
In its statement, the IPC-SPJ said it is deeply worried about the situation of Oyeladun, “And hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State to ensure that he is not harmed in any way.”
The statement added: “IPC-SPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the comments made during the programme anchored by the journalist or his guest to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.
“IPC-SPJ therefore appeals to other media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for his safety.”
IPC-SPJ also condemned the reported forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, in Otukpo, by the Benue State government.
The IPC quoted a report as stating, “A team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone.
“Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.”
The IPC-SPJ therefore stressed: “This incident is an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom and democracy.
“We are calling for an immediate investigation of this incident, especially the officials involved. The appropriate punishment should be meted on those found guilty.”
