UPDATED: ‘Bullet’ hits journalist inside Kano Gov’t House

A journalist working with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Naziru Idris Ya’u, has been hit by a bullet inside Kano State Government House.

The incident happened on Friday when journalists all over the world were celebrating International Press Freedom Day.

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The attacked journalist was stable after the bullet shrapnel was removed at the Government House Clinic.

It was not clear who fired the shots as of the time of filing this report.

There are at least three armed-bearing security agencies providing protective services at the Government House. They include the operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Speaking to journalists in Kano over the incident, Mr Ya’u said, “We were standing around gate three area when I was shot on my arm. It did not penetrate much.

“In the meantime, the security in the Government House have started investigation on the matter.”

The security at the Government House have said the shot was not from their rifles.

Journalist hit by metal debris, not bullet — Kano gov’t

In its reaction on Saturday, the Kano State Government has said the journalist was hit by metal debris, not stray bullet.

Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General on Media to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a statement said, “Naziru Yau, the reporter of the state television station was not hit by any stray bullet.”

He explained that the journalist, “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, according to Mr Dawakin Tofa, expressed gratitude for the prompt medical attention he received and thanked well-wishers for their concern during his recovery.