"Those Who Burnt My TV Studio Will Not Go Unpunished" - Esama Of Benin

The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, has vowed that those who burnt the studio of his television station, Independent Television would be punished. The studio was last Saturday gutted by fire. The Esama said he received several threats through text messages and telephone calls about a possible attack and reported same to security agencies in the state.

Promising to build a new digital television studio within 60 days, he vowed to take the case to the church. He also said the aim of those who burnt it was to take the station off air util after elections.

“We have been pre-warned and had enough threat. More than four occasions, I sent letters of threat and telephone calls to the police and the Director of DSS.”
“All of you have heard what ITV has been going through for saying the truth. Nobody has faulted us for saying what does not happen. I told people that for more than nine years, I have not been to this place though I have an office here. It is only taking money from me and not earning money for me. 

“It is for people to enjoy and hear what is happening in the state. I keep funding the station. Within 60 days, we will build a better digital studio. We will bring latest digital equipment that will surprise people. They cannot deter me, they cannot stop me.
“I am leaving it in the hands of God. I am going to take summons in the church. The perpetrators cannot go unpunished. Those who connived, heard and execute will face the wrath of God. 

“If it is a surge, the wires would be melted. Detection is the first work I did in the police. Only a stupid person will say it is a surge. They thought that they will take us off air till after the elections,” Igbinedion stated.