Kano NUJ Condemns Attack On Journalists,Says Incident Threat To Press Freedom
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned the reported attack on journalists covering an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Kano, describing the incident as a serious threat to press freedom and democratic values in Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Saturday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where suspected thugs allegedly attacked journalists covering the political event and damaged a Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, vehicle.
In a statement jointly signed by the NUJ Kano Chairman, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Suleiman Zahradeen, the Council said journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional and professional responsibilities without fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
The union expressed concern that the incident occurred amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that attacks on journalists covering political events could undermine democratic participation and the credibility of the electoral process.
According to the NUJ, journalists are critical stakeholders in a democracy, with the responsibility to inform citizens, provide platforms for diverse opinions and report political activities objectively.
It, therefore, urged political parties, candidates, support groups and their supporters across the country to respect the rights and safety of journalists covering political activities.
The Council said the reported use of machetes and knives to repeatedly strike the Radio Nigeria vehicle, despite security personnel reportedly being inside, was particularly disturbing.
It called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The NUJ commiserated with the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, over the damage caused to its vehicle, while sympathising with the journalists and other occupants who experienced fear and distress during the incident.
The union warned that failure to hold perpetrators accountable could encourage further attacks on media professionals as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists, stressing that protecting media professionals is essential to sustaining democracy, accountability and an informed Nigerian electorate.