Many Feared Dead as Security Forces Clash with Hoodlums in Kano

A violent clash between security operatives and hoodlums in Kano has reportedly resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The unrest occurred in various parts of the state, with the most affected areas being Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna to Bachirawa in Fagge Local Government Area, Kofar Nassarawa in Kano Municipal, and Unguwa Uku in Tarauni Local Government Area.

According to eyewitnesses, the violence erupted when a group of youths defied the state-imposed curfew to continue nationwide protests, which have increasingly been marked by violence.

Abdulkadir Musa, a resident of Rijiyar Lemo, recounted the harrowing scene: “At least eight people were shot in our area, including women and children. An elderly woman and three others have died, while many more have sustained serious injuries. The security forces were trying to enforce the curfew and disperse the protesters, which led to the shooting.”

Another resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, reported that the hoodlums had attempted to loot shops, including a Rufaida yogurt outlet, under the guise of the protest. When security agents intervened, the situation escalated, and the hoodlums began stoning the officers.

A Divisional Police Officer was reportedly injured during the clash, though this has not been independently verified. Victims hit by bullets were said to have been taken to Salamatu Hospital for medical treatment.

Social media has been abuzz with accounts of the violence. A user, Aiha K Nass, posted, “We are mourning our grandmother who was killed by the police. My brother Aliyu was also shot and is now dead.” Another user, Omar Khalid Saleh, wrote, “The police in Kano are turning a peaceful protest into something deadly. Why the shooting and killings? You’re inviting trouble. They just shot a teenager who died instantly at Kofar Nasarawa.”

Further reports indicate that protesters also gathered on Zaria Road near Unguwa Uku but were dispersed by security forces. In response to the unrest, mobile police units have been deployed, and a checkpoint has been established near Kurna Asabe, close to Bukavu Army Barracks, to control movement.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from the police have been unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, was unreachable at the time of reporting.