NUJ Condemns Attack on Journalists at Kano APC Rally, Demands Probe
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has condemned the reported attack on journalists covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday, describing the incident as a serious threat to press freedom and democratic practice.
The council, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Suleiman Zahradeen, said suspected thugs attacked journalists at the political gathering and damaged a vehicle belonging to Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM, Kano.
It described the incident as “unacceptable,” stressing that journalists must be allowed to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
According to the union, the attack was particularly disturbing because it occurred during a political gathering at a time when political activities were gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NUJ warned that attacks on journalists covering political events go beyond the media profession, arguing that they constitute an assault on democracy because a free and independent press is essential to keeping citizens informed and ensuring a credible democratic process.
“Journalists are key and relevant stakeholders in any democratic society. Their responsibility is to inform the public, provide platforms for diverse views and report political activities objectively,” the council said.
It stressed that journalists should therefore be permitted to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
The union expressed particular concern over the safety of journalists assigned to cover political activities, especially large gatherings where media professionals could be exposed to heightened security risks.
It said the alleged use of machetes and knives by the attackers to repeatedly strike the Radio Nigeria vehicle, despite the presence of security personnel inside, made the incident even more disturbing.
The council called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace during public gatherings, the NUJ said more needed to be done to protect journalists covering political activities.
It warned that failure to properly investigate and sanction those responsible could embolden perpetrators and expose journalists to greater danger as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The council also urged political parties, political groups, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the rights and safety of journalists, describing the media as an indispensable partner in the democratic process.
The NUJ commiserated with the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM, Kano, over the damage to its vehicle and sympathised with journalists and other occupants who were subjected to fear and distress during the incident.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists in Kano State, saying it would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that journalists can perform their professional duties without fear.