The Kano State government vehemently denied reports on Saturday that Naziru Idris Ya’u, a reporter with the State-owned TV station, Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), was struck by a stray bullet at the Government House on Friday night,leadership reports.
Earlier, Naziru, the ARTV correspondent stationed at the Government House in Kano, claimed he was hit by a mysterious bullet while chatting with friends at the Government House gate. He alleged the bullet lodged in his arm, which he removed before seeking medical attention at the Government House Clinic.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Kano State governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, flatly dismissed Naziru’s assertion, cautioning against sensational and one-sided media coverage.
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Dawakin Tofa clarified that the reporter wasn’t hit by a stray bullet but sustained injuries from metal debris flying from a construction site within the Government House premises.
The statement clarified, “The incident, amid misinformation, raised concerns and speculations about journalists’ safety at the Government House. However, journalists are not endangered in Kano Government House.”
The government advised journalists to verify sources and avoid sensational reporting. It emphasized that Naziru Ya’u was injured by metal debris from ongoing construction, not a stray bullet.
Medical professionals at the Government House clinic verified the nature of Naziru’s injuries. Naziru expressed gratitude for the medical care and thanked well-wishers during his recovery.
The statement underscored the importance of journalist safety, especially where construction poses hazards, dispelling rumors and calling for enhanced safety measures for journalists covering sensitive events. It stressed accurate reporting and thorough investigation to combat misinformation and maintain public trust.
