The Kano State Government has denied reports suggesting that journalist Naziru Idris Ya’u was wounded by a stray bullet while on the premises of the State House. In a statement issued on Saturday by Sanusi Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity, it was asserted that the accounts of the incident were inaccurate.
Initial reports had alleged that Naziru Idris Ya’u, a correspondent for Abubakar Rimi Television stationed at the Kano State Government House, narrowly escaped death on Friday after purportedly being hit by a stray bullet. However, neither the Kano Government House nor the State Police Command had issued official statements regarding the incident at the time of reporting.
When approached for comment on the matter, SP Haruna Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, stated that the command had not received any reports about the incident and pledged to conduct further investigations.
Sanusi Tofa clarified that Naziru Ya’u’s injuries were not the result of a stray bullet but rather from metal debris originating from an ongoing construction project at the Kano State Government House. Tofa emphasized the safety of journalists and urged them to verify the credibility of their sources before reporting.
Addressing the issue, Tofa remarked, “The incident, which occurred amidst a flurry of misinformation, sparked widespread concern and speculation regarding the safety of journalists covering events at the (Kano state) government house.” He assured that the true nature of the incident was uncovered following investigations by medical personnel at the government house.
Tofa reiterated the significance of accurate reporting and thorough investigation to counteract misinformation and uphold public trust. He advised journalists to remain vigilant, particularly in environments where construction activities pose potential risks.
The government pledged to review and bolster existing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident persist. The statement concluded with a call for the public to abstain from spreading unverified claims and to rely on credible sources for information.
