The Kano State Government has refuted a viral story that a stray bullet hit a journalist at the Government House on Friday.
Naziru Idris Ya’u, a correspondent for Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), says he got hit by a stray bullet inside the Kano State Government House on Friday.
But a statement by the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Sunusi Bature, on Saturday described the story as “unbalanced.”
The journalist had said: “We were standing around the gate when I received the shot on my arm. It did not penetrate much because I removed it by myself.
“It must have come from somewhere very far, outside the Government House, because of the way it was …it had already weakened.
“In the meantime, the security have launched investigation on the matter.”
But in his reaction, the Governor’s spokesman stated Ya’u sustained injuries from metal debris from an ongoing construction at Government House.
He said journalists covering the state House were not under threat, cautioning against fake and sensational news.
“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 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 source while reporting any development and avoid unnecessary sensational angle 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 during his recovery.
“However, the victim rold newsmen earlier he was hit by a stray bullet and the security aides who confirmed the incident have since moved into investigation.
“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,” Bature said.
The media DG assured the public of government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals within the premises and the state while pledging to review and enhance existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidences in the future
