Kano govt says journalist injured by ‘metal debris’, not stray bullet
The injured journalist, Abubakar Rimi. Photo Credit: Tukur Muntari
The Kano State Government has denied reports that a journalist, Naziru Idris Ya’u, was on Friday, injured after being by a stray bullet in the State House.
This was according to a statement on Saturday by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Tofa.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that a correspondent of Abubakar Rimi Television attached to the Kano State Government House, Naziru Idris Ya’u, escaped death on Friday evening following a stray bullet which hit him at the Government House.
As of the time of filing the report, there was no official statement either from the Kano Government House or the State Police Command regarding the shooting.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, SP Haruna Abdullahi, said the incident had yet to be reported to the command.
“I will investigate the issue because it has not been reported to the command,” he said.
However, setting the records straight, Tofa noted that contrary to reports making the rounds, the journalist sustained injuries from the metal debris from an ongoing construction at the Kano State Government House.
The statement partly read, “The attention of Kano State Government has been drawn to a one-sided media report on social media revealing that a journalist, with the state Television station, attached to the Government house was hit by a stray bullet.
“The incident, which occurred amidst a flurry of misinformation, sparked widespread concern and speculation regarding the safety of journalists covering events at the government house.
“For clarity purposes, Naziru Yau, the reporter of the state television station was not hit by any stray bullet. Instead, he sustained injuries from the metal debris emanating from an ongoing construction at the Kano State Government House, an area that has been barricaded for caution.”
He stated that the true nature of the incident was revealed after investigations by medical personnel attached to the government house.
“The truth of the incident emerged when medical professionals at the government house clinic disclosed the true nature of Mr Naziru’s injuries.
Tofa assured that the safety of journalists attached to the government house was guaranteed.
However, he advised journalists to ensure that sources are credible in their reportage.
He added, “However, the government would like to emphatically say that journalists are not under threat in Kano government house. It is however worthy of note to caution journalists to ensure credible sources while reporting any development and avoid unnecessary sensational angles that can mislead the public.
“We hereby dispel any rumour that had sparked outrage and call for increased safety measures for journalists covering sensitive events.
“We also need to underscore the importance of accurate reporting and thorough investigation in mitigating misinformation and maintaining public trust.
He urged journalists to always be careful and vigilant in their course of duty.
“Let me emphasise the need for journalists to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties, especially in environments where construction activities pose potential hazards.
He pledged the government’s resolve to constantly review and enhance existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident, we urge the public to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated claims and to rely on verified information from credible sources”, the statement concluded.
