DEMOLITION: FOUR FEARED DEAD IN KANO 02-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu A demolition operation at Rimin Zakara village in Ungogo Local Government area turned deadly on Sunday night, leaving four people feared dead.
According to eyewitness Ishaq Mohammad, a landowner in the community, government officials allegedly from the Ministry of Lands and Physical planning Accompanied by security agencies arrived at the scene around 10 pm.
The team began demolishing properties, which was met with resistance from the community.
In the ensuing chaos, security operatives allegedly opened fire, killing two people instantly. Two others were rushed to the hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Mohammad reported that over 40 houses were demolished during the operation.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of excessive force by security agencies and the need for more humane approaches to demolition operations.
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.
When contacted the ministry of lands and physical planning confirmed that the lands belongs to Bayero University Kano but declined further comment.
Sources at the ministry reveals that government will soon make its position known to public over the matter.