Kano NUJ Demands Justice After Journalists Attacked at APC Rally

By Shafii Haruna

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 participation.

The incident occurred on Saturday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, where journalists covering the political gathering were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs shortly after the event.

A Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle conveying journalists was allegedly targeted, with attackers said to have used machetes and knives to repeatedly strike the vehicle, damaging parts of it. Reports also identified journalists from Guarantee Radio and Pyramid FM among those affected.

THE NATIONAL LENS reports that the Kano NUJ Council said it was particularly disturbed that the attack reportedly took place despite the presence of security personnel inside the vehicle.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, and Secretary, Hauwa Sulaiman Zahraddeen, which made available to this newspaper, the council stressed that journalists must be allowed to perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment or violence.

The union warned that attacks on journalists during political events could have serious implications for the 2027 general elections, especially as political activities begin to intensify across the country.

According to the council, the media remains an essential pillar of democracy because journalists provide citizens with information, give political actors platforms to express their views and help the public make informed decisions.

Our correspondent gathered that the NUJ therefore called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It also urged political parties, campaign groups and their supporters to respect journalists and recognise the media as an indispensable partner in the democratic process.

The union sympathised with the affected journalists and the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, over the incident and the damage to its vehicle.

The NUJ warned that failure to properly address attacks of this nature could embolden perpetrators and create a more dangerous environment for journalists covering political activities as the country approaches the 2027 elections.