The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub of the International Press Centre (IPC) condemns the attack on journalists who were returning from covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
Reports reaching the Hub states that, “a vehicle conveying four Radio Nigeria Pyramid FM staff, a journalist from Guarantee Radio and another from Daily Trust, was attacked by hoodlums, who repeatedly hit the vehicle, leaving the driver to sustain injuries, while some of the journalists were hit by broken glass from the damaged vehicle.”
“The incident happened after the APC had held the Tinubu Support Group rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano,” the report further revealed.
The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement described the unfortunate incident, as a serious concern and threat to press freedom, considering the damage on a Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM vehicle.
Mr. Arogundade noted that, “the campaigns and rally just recently started, and journalists should not be subject to any form of attack at this time, when political activities are gradually increasing ahead of the general elections.”
The Hub is therefore calling on all security agencies to at this time be intentional about safeguarding journalists, especially those deployed to the field to cover political activities, especially during large gatherings where journalists are exposed to potential risks.
The Hub is also admonishing media organisations and journalists covering elections to always conduct security scan and safety consciousness in coverage of electoral issues.
SGD:
Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, IPC-SPJ Hub
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org