In a tragic turn of event, four persons have allegedly been killed in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a violent clash with security operatives over demolition of properties.
According to reports, the victims were shot dead by security personnel after residents retaliated against the destruction of their buildings.
It was gathered that the demolition exercise, which reportedly took place on Sunday night, was met with resistance from the residents due to the lack of prior notice served on them.
Sources revealed that the demolished structures—mostly residential buildings under construction estimated at 40—had been previously marked by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).
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The land in question reportedly belongs to Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
A resident affected by the demolition, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that KNUPDA had earlier cleared the properties, confirming they were not on the university land.
“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA, 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.
Efforts to get an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as the agency’s managing director was unreachable.
“When our correspondent visited KNUPDA’s office, it was found largely deserted, with a staff member attributing the absence of key officials to fear of reprisals.
“There is tension in the office. That’s why the car parks are empty and no senior officials are present. Only junior staff are here, with no clear directive on what to do,” the official said
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano Command, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.
He stated that security personnel including the NSCDC were deployed to the area to protect government property and were met with hostility.
“We went there to provide security and safeguard government properties. However, the residents attacked our personnel, injured one of our officers, and damaged our vehicles,” Abdullahi said.
It was gathered that the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf would be making an official statement on the issue soonest.
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