The Kano State Government says contrary to media reports that a journalist, Naziru Idris Ya’u, was, on Friday, injured after being hit by a stray bullet in the State House, the man was only injured by metal debris.
The government revealed this in a statement signed by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Tofa, on Saturday [today].
It was 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 had said.
However, setting the records straight, Tofa noted that, contrary to reports, the journalist had only sustained injuries from the metal debris at an ongoing construction site at the Kano State Government House.
The statement reads, “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 concerns and speculations 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; and that the safety of journalists attached to the Government House was guaranteed.
“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.
“Let me emphasise the need for journalists to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties, especially in environments where construction activities pose potential hazards.
“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.
