Amnesty International Condemns Governor Umar Bago’s Attack on Press Freedom and Radio Station Demolition
By Editor in Chief
In a concerning development, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has ordered the demolition of Badeggi FM 90.1 Minna, an independent radio station renowned for its critical voice and community engagement. The governor reportedly dispatched a demolition squad to dismantle the station’s building, citing alleged non-compliance with land administration laws a move widely condemned as a blatant abuse of power and an attack on media freedom.
Human rights advocates and media freedom defenders have criticized Bago’s actions, emphasizing that targeting independent media outlets under false pretenses undermines democratic principles and suppresses free expression. Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the incident, calling for an immediate halt to the demolition and urging authorities to uphold press freedom and protect journalists’ rights.
This unlawful attempt to silence a vital media voice highlights the escalating tensions between government authorities and independent journalism in Nigeria. The incident raises urgent questions about the misuse of legal and administrative procedures to stifle dissent and restrict access to truthful information.
