The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has condemned the attack on journalists shortly after covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Saturday.
Waiya also sympathised with the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, following an attack on the station’s vehicle during the incident.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment in the ministry, Sani Abba Yola, the commissioner described the incident as unfortunate and deeply concerning, stressing that journalists performing their legitimate professional duties must be protected from intimidation, harassment and violence.
He said the media remained an indispensable pillar of democracy, particularly during political activities, as journalists play a vital role in informing the public, providing platforms for diverse opinions and ensuring objective reporting of political events.
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Waiya condemned the reported use of machetes and knives by the attackers, describing the act as unacceptable and a serious threat to the safety of media professionals and members of the public.
He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner also urged political parties, groups, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the rights and safety of journalists, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He assured journalists and media organisations in Kano of the state government’s commitment to press freedom, peaceful political participation and an environment where media professionals can perform their duties without fear.
Waiya wished the affected journalists and other victims of the incident well, while praying for continued peace and stability in the state.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has also condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and a serious threat to press freedom.
The NUJ said the reported attack by suspected thugs on journalists and the damage inflicted on a Pyramid FM vehicle was particularly disturbing because it occurred during a political gathering.
The council said attacks on journalists covering political events constituted not only an attack on the media but also a setback to democracy, stressing that a free and independent press was essential to an informed citizenry and credible democratic process.
The NUJ expressed particular concern over reports that attackers used machetes and knives to repeatedly strike the Radio Nigeria vehicle despite the presence of security personnel inside.
It sympathised with the management and staff of Pyramid FM Kano and the journalists and other occupants who were subjected to fear and distress during the incident.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace during public gatherings, the council urged them to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that those found guilty face the full weight of the law.
The NUJ warned that failure to adequately address such attacks could embolden perpetrators and expose journalists to greater danger as political activities build up toward the 2027 elections.
It urged political parties, political groups, supporters and other stakeholders to respect journalists and recognise the media as an indispensable partner in the democratic process.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists in Kano.
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