16th February, 2011
Burglars have raided the office of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and RayPowerFM in Benin City, Benin, Edo State Southsouth Nigeria.
P.M.NEWS learnt that the burglars numbering about 30, stormed the office of AIT and RayPower FM along Benin bye pass in the early hours of the day thereby almost crippling the activities of the organisation.
Investigations revealed that the robbers carted away broadcast equipment like armoured cables, generator change over switch, 40 circuit breakers(40amps), 8 circuit breakers (65amps) 6.4 KVA generator, 2 units 250KVA generators, and their cables, DJ-mixer console, office chairs, computers and other valuables.
Investigations further revealed that the armed burglars overpowered the six security guards on duty, tied them and inflicted injuries on them.
The spokesperson for AIT&RayPower, Johnson Onime, confirmed the office incident, saying that the mission of the burglars was not only to steal but to cripple the operations of the TV Station in Benin.
“The burglars also ripped off rugs and stole window curtains. They also attempted to burn down the AIT office,†Onime said.
He added: “that they repeated the visit on the second day, but unfortunately for them they met commensurate resistance from the police that were deployed to the premises, which they have turned into an empty shell as a result of the assault of the previous day.
The matter has since been reported to the police.
He said that the incident will not affect the operations of the television station in Edo State as the back up strategy has been effectively deployed to ensure smooth transmission of signals.
—Ayodele Lawal
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