Kano State government has refuted the purported stay bullet hit at a journalist in the government, insisted that practising journalists in Kano are not under any form of threat.
The government also caution the media to ensure they cross check their facts and balance from relevant sources before going to town, a critical ingredient of reportage that devoid misleading the sleeping audience.
Reacting to purported story of stray bullet on journalist at the government house, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government house, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa said the incident that occurred Friday evening was blown out of proportion.
In a statement on Saturday, Dawakin-Tofa maintained that the reporter actually suffered an injury from a metal debris emanated from ongoing construction in the government house.
“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”. Dawakin-Tofa noted.
On the actual incident, he said “For clarity purpose, Naziru Yau, the reporter of the state television station 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, expressed gratitude for the prompt medical attention he received and thanked well-wishers for their concern during his recovery”. He added.