Naziru Idris Ya’u, a journalist affiliated with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), which is owned by the Kano State government, found himself in an alarming situation when he was hit by a mysterious bullet while at the Government House in Kano.
The unsettling incident unfolded on Friday, May 3, 2024, around 6 p.m., as reported by a local radio station in Kano and later confirmed by our correspondent. Naziru had been socializing with friends on the Government House premises when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his arm. To his shock, he discovered a bullet lodged in his arm, indicating that he had been shot.
Recalling the moment, Naziru stated, “I felt something hit my arm and saw that it was a bullet. It seemed to come from a distance as it was cool to the touch.” Despite the alarming nature of the injury, he managed to extract the bullet himself before seeking medical attention at the Government House clinic.
The timing of the incident on World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, has sparked concerns about the safety of journalists and the potential threats to press freedom. However, the origin of the bullet remains shrouded in mystery, with no individual or group claiming responsibility.
Naziru reassured that his injury was minor, and he received prompt medical treatment at the clinic. Following medication, he was discharged and allowed to return home.
Authorities, including police officers stationed at the Government House, have initiated an investigation into the source of the gunshot to ascertain its origins. As of now, neither the Kano State Police Command nor the State Government has issued a formal response to the incident.
