The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has condemned in totality the attack on journalists who were covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday.
The Council described the incident, in which suspected thugs attacked journalists and damaged a Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle, as unacceptable and a serious threat to press freedom, noting that journalists should never be attacked, intimidated or harassed while carrying out their legitimate professional responsibilities.
The Council is particularly concerned that the incident occurred in the course of a political gathering at a time when political activities are gradually increasing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
An attack on journalists covering political events is not only an attack on the media but also a setback to democracy, as a free and independent press remains essential to an informed citizenry and credible democratic process.
Journalists are key and relevant stakeholders in any democratic society.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the council chairman, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi and Secretary Hauwa Sulaiman Zahraddeen
Their responsibility is to inform the public, provide platforms for diverse views and report political activities objectively.
They must therefore be allowed to carry out these responsibilities without fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
The Kano State Council of the NUJ is deeply concerned about the safety of journalists covering political activities, especially during large gatherings where media professionals are exposed to potential risks.
The fact that the attackers reportedly used machetes and knives to repeatedly strike the Radio Nigeria vehicle, despite the presence of security personnel inside, makes the incident particularly disturbing and calls for serious attention from the authorities.
The Council commiserates with the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, over the attack and the damage caused to its vehicle.
We also sympathise with all the journalists and other occupants who were subjected to fear and distress during the incident.
While the Council appreciates the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace during public gatherings, it calls on them to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the attack, identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
The Council believes that allowing attacks of this nature to go unaddressed could embolden others and further expose journalists to danger, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We therefore urge political parties, political groups, their supporters and all other stakeholders to respect the rights and safety of journalists and recognise the media as an indispensable partner in the democratic process.
The NUJ Kano State Council remains committed to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists and will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that journalists in Kano can perform their professional duties without fear.
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