A demolition exercise in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State turned deadly when security operatives allegedly opened fire on protesting residents, resulting in the death of four individuals.
Security Operatives Clash with Residents
The tragic incident occurred during the demolition of about 40 buildings, reportedly built on land belonging to Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The affected structures, mostly residential buildings under construction, had been previously marked for demolition by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).
Eyewitnesses reported that residents resisted the demolition, leading to a violent confrontation. Security personnel, including representatives from the police, DSS, and the NSCDC, were present to oversee the demolition process. However, as tensions escalated, security forces allegedly fired into the crowd, killing four individuals.
Conflicting Reports Over Land Ownership
A resident affected by the demolition, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that KNUPDA had previously confirmed that the properties were not within BUK’s land.
“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings.
“When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.
Lack of Official Response from KNUPDA
Attempts to obtain an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful. Repeated calls to the agency’s Managing Director went unanswered, though his mobile phone remained active.
Security Agencies React
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident but referred inquiries to the NSCDC Kano State Command PRO.
Similarly, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the NSCDC spokesperson, acknowledged the incident but declined to confirm the exact number of casualties. He explained that security agencies, including the police, DSS, and NSCDC, were invited to provide security at the demolition site.
“There were representatives of the police, DSS, and NSCDC who were invited to provide security. But our people acted professionally, and when the situation degenerated, they tactfully withdrew.”
He added, “The residents, angered by the demolition, started stoning security operatives who were there to provide security.”
Call for Investigation
The deaths of the four individuals have raised serious concerns about the use of force by security operatives during demolition exercises. As of now, no official statement has been issued by KNUPDA regarding the incident, leaving affected residents demanding accountability and justice.
The tragic event highlights ongoing disputes over land ownership, forced evictions, and the role of security forces in handling civil resistance. Calls for an independent investigation into the killings continue to mount as the affected families seek justice.
