GBV advocacy groups condemn armed attack on FM station in Bayelsa

…seeks prosecution of a man, 57, for alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl in Swali

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

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 organisation is a clear attack on the voice of various victims of gender-based violence who desire to be heard on the people’s right to freedom of expression.

A statement on Tuesday by the National President, AWAGBV, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, 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 2:10 pm and on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 4:40 pm, 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 the 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 humility, we most humbly call on the Bayelsa Police Command to spring into action, investigate, and prosecute the alleged perpetrator.”