The Kano state government has angrily reacted to reports that a journalist at the Government House, was hit by an object suspected to be a stray bullet on Friday.
The journalist, Naziru Idris, who is serving with the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), told Daily News 24 that he was actually struck by a “stray bullet”, while chatting with colleagues.
He said the object hit him on the shoulder around 8:30pm, shortly after returning from an assignment with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Mr Idris said he was treated for minor injuries at the Government House clinic and discharged.
He added that security officials at the Government House had “retrieved the stray bullet” and were analyzing it to trace its origin.
However, in a statement on Saturday, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Government House dismissed the claim, describing the reports as “one-sided”.
“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 own Television station, attached to Government house was hit by a stray bullet.
Also read: Journalist hit by stray bullet at Kano Gov’t House
“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,” Mr Dawakin Tofa said.
“However, the government will 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 source while reporting any development and avoid unnecessary sensational angle that can mislead the public,” he added.
Mr Dawakin Tofa emphasized that Mr Idris was not hit by a stray bullet, but was instead struck by a metal debris from a nearby construction site at the Government House.
“For clarity purpose, 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.
“The truth of the incident emerged when medical professionals at the government house clinic disclosed the true nature of Mr. Naziru’s injuries.
“The journalist, Mr. Naziru, expressed gratitude for the prompt medical attention he received and thanked well-wishers for their concern during his recovery.
“Let me emphasized the need for journalists to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties, especially in environments where construction activities pose potential hazards.
“We thereby dispel any rumor that had sparked outrage and call for increased safety measures for journalists covering sensitive events.
“We also need to underscores the importance of accurate reporting and thorough investigation in mitigating misinformation and maintaining public trust.
“In response to the incident, Sanusi Bature the Director General Press at the Kano State Government House have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals within the premises and the state in general.
“Additionally, have pledged to 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,” Mr Dawakin Tofa warned.
