No journalist hit by stray bullet at govt house — Kano govt clarifies

• Says journalists are not under threat in the government house

Kano State government has debunked report that the journalist working with the state-owned television station, Abubakar Rimi Television, (ARTV), Naziru Yau, was hit by a stray bullet.

The state government said the journalist only sustained injuries from metal debris from ongoing construction at the government house.

Kano government spoke via a statement by the Director General, Press, at the Kano State Government House, Sanusi Bature, in response to the incident.

It said medical professionals at the government house clinic disclosed the true nature of Mr. Naziru’s injuries.

Bature said journalists are not under threat in the government house.

The statement 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-own 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.

“However, the government will like to emphatically say that journalists are not under threat in Kano government house.

“However, it is worthy of note to caution journalists to ensure credible source while reporting any development and avoid unnecessary sensational angle that can mislead the public.

‘How it happened’
“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 emphasise 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 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.

“In response to the incident, we assure the public of our commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals within the premises and the state in general.

“Additionally, we 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.”