GBV advocacy groups condemn armed attack FM station in Bayelsa
…seeks prosecution of man, 57 for allege defilement of 14 year old girl 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 timely 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 the private FM radio station, Yenagoa.
The Bayelsa ÑUJ 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.
Meanwhile, the AWAGBV has also called on the Bayelsa State Police Command to immediately apprehend and prosecute a 57 year old man over his alleged defilement of a 14 year old niece in a local boat in Swali community of Yenagoa local Government at the weekend.
According to AWAGBV, the alleged defilement of the minor is one that calls for joint intervention by all stakeholders fighting against sexual and gender based violence.
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.”
