Kano Govt Denies Amnesty’s Killing Claim During Inauguration

The Kano State Government on Thursday dismissed allegations by Amnesty International that five persons were killed during the swearing-in of the new Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo.

The state described the claim as false, misleading and politically motivated, insisting that no such incident occurred within or around the Government House during the ceremony.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, in a statement, accused the organisation of spreading misinformation and damaging public trust.

He said Amnesty International Nigeria acted unprofessionally by promoting fake news, rumours, and misleading narratives that could cause unnecessary tension in the state.

Waiya urged the global leadership of Amnesty International to closely monitor the activities of its Nigerian branch to protect the organisation’s integrity.

The commissioner maintained that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remained committed to tackling thuggery, gang violence and youth-related crimes across Kano State.

According to him, the government had already launched the “Safe Corridor Kano Model” initiative to rehabilitate and empower repentant youths involved in criminal activities.

He disclosed that about 2,030 volunteer youths had been profiled for enrolment in the programme over the last three months.

Waiya added that the Kano State Executive Council approved over N600m for the first phase of the initiative, targeting the rehabilitation, empowerment and reintegration of 1,000 youths.

He questioned Amnesty International’s silence over what he described as the government’s “remarkable efforts” to curb hooliganism and restore peace in the state.

The commissioner assured residents that the government would continue collaborating with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

He also called on residents to support ongoing investigations into the allegation and cooperate with authorities in sustaining peace and stability across the state.