CWPPF condemns attack on journalists at APC rally in kano
The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has condemned the attack on five journalists and the destruction of a Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle by suspected thugs during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Kano State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, 2026, as the journalists were returning from the coverage of the inauguration of a coalition of groups supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
According to reports, the journalists were attacked by suspected thugs who used machetes and knives to repeatedly strike the vehicle, smashing its windows and causing extensive damage.
The CWPPF said the attack occurred despite the presence of security personnel, including the orderly to the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who were inside the vehicle.
The affected journalists were identified as Shafiu Abdullahi Panshekara, Abdulmajid Habib Isa Tukuntawa, Yakubu Abubakar Gwagwarwa and Ibrahim Hussaini, all of Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM, Kano, as well as Abdulbaki Ali Ahmed Sharifai of Guarantee Radio.
In a statement, the coalition described the incident as a direct affront to press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists carrying out their constitutional duties.
It expressed concern over the brazen nature of the attack, particularly because it allegedly took place in the presence of security personnel.
The CWPPF said the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists covering political activities in Kano State and across Nigeria.
“As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, it is important that the safety of journalists is unconditionally guaranteed,” the coalition said.
It noted that the media plays a critical role in the electioneering process, warning that subjecting journalists to violence, fear and intimidation undermines democracy and raises concerns about the credibility of electoral processes.
“Attacks of any kind on journalists and media professionals, under whatever pretext, is unacceptable,” it added.
The coalition called on the Kano State Police and DSS Commands, as well as other relevant security agencies, to launch an immediate, thorough and independent investigation into the incident.
It demanded that those responsible for the attack be identified, apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to attack media workers, particularly in the build-up to the 2027 elections and beyond.
The CWPPF also urged the authorities to investigate how the attackers were able to carry out the assault despite the presence of armed security operatives.
It further called on political parties, their leaders and supporters to rein in their members, conduct their activities peacefully and recognise the essential role of the press in promoting a transparent and democratic society.
The coalition expressed solidarity with the affected journalists and their respective media organisations, reiterating its commitment to defending press freedom and the rights of journalists in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) on behalf of the Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom.
