Kano APC Rally: Thugs attack Journalists, damage Radio Nigeria vehicle

Journalists covering an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Kano State were attacked on Saturday by suspected thugs who reportedly smashed the windows and damaged a Radio Nigeria vehicle conveying members of the media.

The incident occurred shortly after the conclusion of a political rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, where the leadership of a coalition of groups supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was inaugurated.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers descended on a team of journalists who had gone to the stadium to cover the event, targeting a Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle in which some of the journalists were travelling.

Armed with machetes and knives, the suspected thugs reportedly struck the vehicle repeatedly, smashing its windows and damaging parts of the bus.

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Among the journalists caught up in the incident were Abdulbaki Ali Ahmad Sharifai of Guarantee Radio and Yakubu Gwagwarwa of Pyramid Radio.

A journalist who witnessed the incident said the presence of security personnel inside the Radio Nigeria vehicle did not prevent the attackers from carrying out the assault.

According to him, the attackers continued to hit the vehicle despite the presence of security personnel and journalists inside.

The assault reportedly threw the journalists into panic as they attempted to leave the area after covering the political gathering.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists covering political activities in Kano, particularly as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of future elections.

Journalists covering political events are expected to have unhindered access to venues and be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or physical attacks.

The motive for the attack was not immediately established, while it was also unclear whether security agencies had made any arrests in connection with the incident as of the time of filing this report.

The incident comes amid heightened political activities in Kano and other parts of the country, with various political groups stepping up mobilisation and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(Tracker)