Benue Lawmaker Condemns Closure of Joy FM Radio Station

By Iyojo Ameh

Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, has strongly condemned the closure of Joy FM Radio Station, Otukpo, by the Benue State Government.

The station was sealed on Thursday by officials of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), led by its Chairman, Sunday Odagba, alongside Ikwue Ikwue of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone.

Reacting to the development, Agbese, in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Lawrence Oduh, described the action as a “brazen attack on the press” and a “disturbing trend under the Alia administration.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he termed the intimidation of the media, particularly the closure of a radio station owned by former Senate President David Mark. According to him, such actions “threaten the very fabric of democracy.”

Agbese also decried the manner in which the station was shut down, alleging that armed policemen invaded the premises in a “commando-style” operation. He condemned the reported rough handling of staff members and the alleged forced termination of a live broadcast at gunpoint, calling it a gross abuse of power.

“Joy FM has been a vital source of information, education, and entertainment for the people of Benue State. It provides employment opportunities for young people and contributes to the state’s economic growth. Its closure is a senseless act that will only serve to stifle free speech and intimidate the press,” Agbese stated.

He further described the shutdown as a “devastating blow” to the people, particularly the poor and vulnerable who rely on the station for information and guidance.

“We are reliably informed that this is just the beginning of a broader crackdown on democratic institutions in Benue. If this trend continues, we fear that soon, our people will not be allowed to worship God in their churches, mosques, or other places of worship. Gatherings of families, friends, and communities will be restricted, and the very fabric of our society will be torn apart,” he warned.

Agbese called on the Benue State Government to immediately reverse its decision and allow Joy FM to resume operations, stating that he stands in solidarity with the station’s management and staff.