Kano Killings: Opinion Poll Pitches Police Against Radio Station

An opinion poll conducted by a Kano-based private radio station, Premier FM Radio, on the security challenges across Kano metropolis in Kano State, has drawn criticism from the State Police Command.

The radio station had posted a question on its official Facebook page asking netizens a question: “Can you tell us the neighbourhoods you consider to be the most dangerous within Kano city?” The post generated over 1,000 mixed comments from residents at press time, sharing concerns and experiences about security situations in different parts of Kano.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who reacted to the poll with a cryptic comment, cautioned the radio station against what he perceived as an unprofessional approach to security reporting, asserting that there were no dangerous neighbourhoods in Kano State.

“There is no any dangerous neighbourhood in Kano State. The measure of your children’s upbringing is equal to your peace of mind in your neighbourhood. Also, you should be mindful of what they write,” the police spokesperson fired back the radio station through his comment.

The police spokesperson’s reaction has since generated mixed responses by netizens, with some residents defending the radio station’s right to gauge public opinion, while others aligned with the police position, warning that such polls could create fear or stigmatise communities.

LEADERSHIP reports that the development comes against the backdrop of rising public anxiety and apprehension over recent violent attacks in the state. Most notable was the killing of a family of seven in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano last weekend, an incident that has attracted widespread national attention and condemnation.

The Dorayi incident is reported to be the third in a series of similar attacks in different parts of the state in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of residents, particularly women and children, in their homes.