Gunmen Burn Down NTA Onitsha Office Building

Suspected gunmen on Wednesday attacked the
Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) office in
Onitsha, Anambra, torching some equipment and
Star Times section in the premises. Acting
Manager of the station, Mr Chris Nwigwe, told
newsmen in Onisha 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, adding that no life
was lost in the attack. An eyewitness said that
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 are 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, Mr 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. Okaula lauded
policemen manning the office for their bravery,
saying that 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. Three police
patrol vans had been stationed in front of the
station to beef up security. (NAN)