AYV Media Empire has reported a major cyberattack targeting its website and news application, shortly after the media organisation published reports on the intensified search by Sierra Leone’s security authorities for Jos Leijdekkers and Umarr Sheriff.

AYV had been reporting on ongoing efforts by the country’s security sector to locate the two individuals amid heightened public and security interest in the case.

AYV Managing Director Umaru Fofana disclosed the reported cyberattack during Thursday evening’s State of the Nation programme, saying the media organisation’s digital platforms had been compromised by unidentified individuals.

Fofana said AYV’s technical teams based in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world are actively investigating the incident and working to restore the affected website and news application as quickly as possible.

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He described the reported cyberattack as a serious infringement on press freedom and the ability of journalists and media organisations to freely publish information in the public interest.

According to Fofana, AYV is also working to make an official report to the relevant state authorities to ensure that the incident is properly investigated.

The reported cyberattack comes amid heightened public and security-sector attention surrounding the search for Leijdekkers and Sheriff. Sierra Leonean security authorities have called on the public to provide information that could assist in locating the two individuals.

AYV has not publicly identified those responsible for the reported attack, and no evidence has so far been provided establishing the identity or motive of the perpetrators.

Despite the disruption to its digital platforms, AYV Media Empire said it remains committed to journalism, press freedom and keeping the public informed.

The media organisation said efforts are ongoing to restore its affected digital services and resume normal access for its audience.