The Kano State government has dismissed the story of a stray bullet hitting a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Naziru Idris Ya’u, at the Government House on Friday.
A statement issued yesterday by the director general, Media, Sunusi Bature, however disclosed that the journalist sustained injuries from metal debris emanating from an ongoing construction at the government house.
The statement read, “The attention of the Kano State government has been drawn to a one-sided media report on social media revealing that a journalist, with the state-owned Television station, attached to 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. 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.
“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.”
More so, in his response to the incident, Bature assured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals within the premises and the state in general while pledging 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,” he stated.
However, the victim had earlier told newsmen that he was hit by a stray bullet and that the security who confirmed the incident had commenced investigation.
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