Media Forum Condemns Attack On Journalist, Demands Immediate Investigation

Kano Heads of Media Forum has condemned the reported attack on journalists returning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Kano on Saturday,

There were reports that a team of journalists covering the political event at the Sani Abacha Stadium came under attack around Kofar Nasarawa, with suspected political thugs smashed the windows and damaged a Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle conveying them and security personnel.

The forum described the incident as “extremely disturbing, unacceptable and a direct threat to the safety of media practitioners and the fundamental principles of press freedom.”

It said journalists attending political events do so in the legitimate discharge of their professional responsibilities. “They have the right to gather information, report events, and inform the public without intimidation, harassment, assault, or the destruction of their equipment and official vehicles,” the forum said.

The Kano Heads of Media Forum, therefore, calls on the Kano State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

This raises serious questions about the security arrangements provided for journalists covering political activities and must be thoroughly investigated.

The Forum also calls on all political parties, candidates, supporters and political groups to respect the work of journalists and refrain from using, encouraging or tolerating violence against media practitioners.

As Kano moves towards an increasingly active political season, we urge political actors to understand that journalists are not enemies or political opponents. They are professionals carrying out a constitutional and public-interest responsibility.

We further call for improved security arrangements for journalists covering political rallies, public demonstrations and other sensitive assignments across Kano State.

The Kano Heads of Media Forum stands firmly with the affected journalists and media organisations and assures the entire media community that attacks on one journalist are attacks on the profession as a whole.

We urge our colleagues to remain professional, courageous and committed to responsible journalism while exercising appropriate caution in potentially volatile environments.

The safety of journalists must never be compromised. Press freedom must be protected. Violence against journalists must not become a tool of political engagement.