Kano Govt Continues Demolition Of Structures On Public Spaces

The demolition of illegal structures in public places in Kano on the orders of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has continued, the latest being the pulling down of multi-million naira buildings in Daula Hotel and Hajj Camp.

Earlier, a plaza of over 90 shops on Race Course Road, Nasarawa Government Reserved Area (GRA) was demolished as directed by the governor.

The demolitions were carried out in the dead of the night, between 2am and 3am, with residents waking at dawn to discover that structures were no longer standing.

The demolition of a structure hosting 90 shops on Race Course took place at 2 am on Friday.  Similarly, Kano residents woke up yesterday and discovered that the buildings erected on the former Daula Hotel and Hajj Camp premises were demolished.

The exercise was in continuation of Governor Yusuf’s resolve to demolish buildings constructed within and around government-owned landed properties by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Before he was sworn in, Yusuf had repeatedly threatened to demolish illegal structures in and around government landed property.

The exercise has generated public outcry, as most of the affected buildings were constructed under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Before the demolition of Hajj Camp buildings on Saturday night, Yusuf had visited the area on Friday, and ordered the developers to stop further construction.

The chief press secretary to the governor, Comrade Dawakin Tofa, said, “In line with his policy thrust, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has directed the immediate demolition of Illegal structures erected within some identified public places.

“You may recall that the governor in his campaign promises, promised his commitment to restoring the glory of the state through reclaiming all encroached public lands that were used to erect illegal structures by private individuals or groups.

“Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf said the structures erected in schools, mosques, play grounds, graveyards, markets and hospitals are to be demolished to ensure strict adherence to urban planning, beautification and safety of the people.

“These places are meant for public utilisation; it is, therefore, disheartening to witness the incessant destruction and conversion of public places that are used to render social services by unpatriotic citizens. We shall bring an end to land grabbing and indiscriminate erection of illegal structures in the state.

“In the early hours of Saturday, the directive was implemented at Race Course playground as all Illegal structures were demolished to reclaim the encroached lands,” he said.