Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of culpable homicide resulting from fighting, stabbing with knives, drowning, and flood-related deaths in the state.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, CP Garba noted that the alarming trend has resulted in significant loss of life, leaving families and communities devastated.

The police command has responded by increasing patrols and surveillance in high-risk areas and engaging with community leaders and stakeholders to address the root causes of these incidents.

CP Garba urged residents to exercise caution and avoid violent behavior in their daily interactions.

He stated the importance of parents and guardians counseling their children and wards on the dangers of engaging in violent behavior and the consequences of such actions.

He advised the public to avoid physical altercations, refrain from carrying dangerous weapons, and be mindful of their surroundings, especially in flooded areas.

“The Kano State Police Command is working tirelessly to address this issue and ensure public safety,” the statement said.

The police commissioner also encouraged anyone with information on such incidents to report to the nearest police station, noting that community cooperation is crucial in preventing loss of life and maintaining peace in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

A commercial motor vehicle driver has returned a lost bag containing a substantial amount of money to the Kano State Police Command. 

The driver, Safiyanu Mohammed, ‘m’, 36 Years old resides at Rangaza Quarters, Ungogo LGA, Kano State, a driver indigene of Katsina State, found the bag on Friday, 9th August 2024, at Hadejia Road by Dakata Junction, and handed it over to the Police Command.

The bag was found to contain a large sum of money, but no unique identification or contact information of the owner. 

The Kano State Police Command is now calling on the rightful owner of the bag to come forward and claim their property.

To facilitate the return of the bag, the owner is required to provide proof of ownership and identification. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, commended the commercial driver for his exemplary honesty and urge anyone with information about the owner’s identity to come forward.

By Abbas Datti

Peaceful demonstrations turned deadly when security forces used live ammunition against unarmed civilians in Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nassarawa, Kano. That resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many others injured and traumatised.

This brutal response has sparked outrage within the state and across the country as concerned citizens demand accountability and professionalism. An image of a well-armed police officer who allegedly opened fire on innocent victims of Kurna is now circulating on social media. 

Reports indicate that the police fired indiscriminately to scatter the protesters, resulting in the death of innocent young children.

Consequently, it’s up to the Inspector General of Police to probe the unfortunate incident.

The protesters had reportedly assembled themselves and marched to express their grievances over deteriorating hardships, hunger, economic inequalities, corruption and other social injustices, exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and free speech. However, what began as a lawful and largely non-violent demonstration quickly escalated into a scene of chaos and bloodshed, as security forces resorted to excessive force and unprofessionalism 

Families of the victims are now left to mourn their loved ones, grappling with the devastating loss and an overwhelming sense of injustice. Our sons went out to make their voices heard, to fight for a better future for themselves, and now they are gone. As a result, we demand justice for their senseless deaths.

We are calling on human rights organisations and civil society groups to condemn the brazen actions of the security forces, calling for an independent investigation into the incident. The use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters is a gross violation of human rights, which is a fundamental right given by the Constitution. 

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared a 24-hour curfew throughout the state, effective immediately, in response to the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged amid civil demonstrations. 

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the decision was made unanimously during an Emergency State Security Council meeting. 

The governor stated that the curfew is necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of communities, following the hijacking of peaceful protests by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens. 

“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities,” said Governor Yusuf.

“It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.” 

The governor called on citizens to remain vigilant and united, saying, “Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.” 

All security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and well-being.

By Uzair Adam

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has condemned the senseless destruction of the NCC’s Digital Innovation Park in Kano.

The facility, poised for launch next week, was ravaged by fire and looted during the protests on Thursday.

This cutting-edge hub was designed to turbocharge Nigeria’s technical talent accelerator program (3MTT) and host various initiatives, including a buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids commencing next week.

Dr. Tijani expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “Devastated to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano, slated for launch next week to supercharge our technical talent accelerator (3MTT), has been reduced to ashes and plundered by protesters.”

The minister stated the devastating impact of this destruction on planned initiatives, saying, “In addition to #3MTT, this facility was set to host our buildathon holiday maker program for secondary school kids starting next week.”

He also lamented the loss, saying, “A staggering amount of resources, worth millions of Naira, have been squandered.”

This incident unfolded amidst widespread unrest in Kano, where protesters targeted the yet-to-be-commissioned NCC Industrial Park.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Jibawa Community in Gaya Local Government Area, Kano State, are sounding the alarm over the dire condition of their local healthcare centre. 

The facility, which serves a population of over 13,000, including vulnerable women and children, has deteriorated to a shocking state, posing a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. 

Photos of the clinic reveal a hazardous environment, with collapsed ceilings and wards overrun by bats, making it uninhabitable for patients. 

The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of medical personnel and equipment, leaving residents to fend for themselves in times of medical need. 

Expectant mothers are forced to embark on a treacherous 5-kilometre journey to neighbouring communities in search of healthcare, while others face a harrowing experience in their quest for medical attention. 

In a desperate plea for help, the community is calling on the Kano State government, Federal Ministry of Health, and Kano Ministry of Health to intervene and address the facility’s deplorable state. 

They are urging for immediate reconstruction, equipping, and staffing of the healthcare center to ensure residents have access to quality medical care.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The High Court in Kano State has issued a permanent injunction in favour of Emir Sanusi, prohibiting the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and four other former Emirs from parading themselves as Emirs. 

The ruling explicitly states that the former Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, along with their employees and representatives, are forbidden from portraying themselves as Emirs. 

This decision comes after the Kano State government took legal action to prevent the deposed emirs from using their royal titles and residing in their palaces. 

The government had earlier issued a 48-hour notice for the emirs to vacate their palaces following their deposition. 

With this ruling, the court has reinforced the government’s stance, solidifying Emir Sanusi’s position as the rightful Emir of Kano. 

The ruling is going to take another dimension in the ongoing dispute over the Emirship of Kano, and it is expected to bring clarity and stability to the traditional institution in the state.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said no fewer than 25 persons died while 53 persons were injured in an accident that occurred along the Kano-Kaduna highway on Monday. 

The corps’ public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said this in a statement in Abuja. 

He said the crash involved a trailer conveying about 90 persons at about 03:15 a.m. Mr Ogungbemide said the accident was caused by a speed violation that eventually led the vehicle to lose control. 

“However, the FRSC emergency and rescue team was able to rescue 12 persons without injury from the crash. 

“The rescued victims have been taken to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for proper medical attention,’’ he said. 

Mr Ogungbemide said the truck driver had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The spokesman, however, quoted the FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as calling on traditional and religious leaders to join FRSC in the campaign against conveying humans, goods, and animals by trailers. 

Mr Shehu also implored them to caution their subjects against travelling on such trailers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss of 14 worshippers who were crushed by a trailer after Friday prayers in Kano State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, which occurred in Imawa town, Kura LGA of Kano State.

Senator Barau commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the injured.

He described the incident as “shocking” and offered his deepest condolences to those affected.

The statement read, “With profound sadness, we mourn the tragic loss of 14 worshippers crushed by a trailer after Juma’at prayers on Friday in Kano.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. We offer our deepest condolences in this hour of unimaginable grief.

“We pray for the souls of the departed to rest in Aljanatul Firdausi and for the Almighty Allah to grant strength and comfort to those they left behind,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A tragic incident occurred in the Kuntau area of Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State, on Friday morning, resulting in the collapse of a one-storey building.

Reports indicate that eight people lost their lives in the disaster. 

The building, which was under construction, collapsed during a rainstorm, trapping 15 people, including the owner, workers, and passersby who had sought shelter inside.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as neighbors and bystanders rushed to assist those trapped under the rubble. 

Seven victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, one person succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. 

Efforts are ongoing to ensure no one else is trapped in the debris.