By Ngozi Onyeakusi– Armed men on Wednesday set headquarters of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation ablaze after a commando-like invasion.

A statement by the management signed by Editor, The Nation Mr Adeniyi Adesina, said the invaders “kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns.

“They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it.

“Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised.”

It added: “Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on.

“These include desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment.

“At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.

“They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived.

“Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders.

“It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press.

“The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.

“The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria.

“The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack.”