I was hit by bullet, not metal debris – Kano-based journalist

In this interview, Naziru Idris Yau, a journalist in the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) covering the Kano Government House, says he was hit by a bullet, not a metal debris.

Tell us exactly what happened on that day you were said to have been hit by a bullet.

On the evening of May 3, 2024, after returning from a visit to the Tiga water treatment plant with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, an ugly incident unfolded at the Government House around 8pm.

However, the evening took a dramatic turn around 8:30pm as we were passing through Gate 3 of the Government House. An unfortunate incident occurred when a bullet struck my right shoulder. Feeling a sharp pain, I immediately sought assistance from colleagues to inspect the wound. Upon examination, it was confirmed that a bullet had indeed pierced the right shoulder, so I quickly removed it from my body.

Following the incident, I was swiftly escorted to the office of the Chief Security Officer of the Government House.

• Kano community where girls don’t go beyond secondary school
• Tuta Absolute: Project takes pest management techniques campaign to farmers in Kano

A detailed report was documented and arrangements were made to receive medical attention at the Government House Clinic to dress the wound.

Who were with you when it happened?

As I said earlier, I was in the company of other colleagues.

This kind of incident is rare; what do you suspect to be its cause?

Speculation arose regarding the nature of the incident, with observers commenting on the distance from which the bullet may have been fired. Concerns were expressed, that had the range been closer, the consequence could have been more severe, potentially leading to gunpowder affecting my body.

I can’t really say I am suspecting anything, but it was a stray bullet not from a close range.

What was the reaction of your family, friends, colleagues, the government and professional bodies?

Moments after the incident took place, I began to receive a flurry of calls from concerned family members, friends and colleagues, reflecting the gravity and impact of the startling event. People are still calling to know how I am.