Violence broke out in Rano local government area of Kano State on Monday following the death of a young man, Abdullahi Musa, in police custody.
The incident sparked public outrage, leading to street protests that resulted in the burning down of the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to residents, Musa who was arrested for a traffic-related offence reportedly died during interrogation.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano identified as Baba Ali, subjected the deceased to brutal physical assault, leading to his untimely death.
“A young man was beaten mercilessly by the DPO. Later, we heard he died in their custody. That’s what triggered the protest,” a resident simply identified as Muhammad revealed.
The death of Musa ignited widespread anger among local youths, who stormed the police station to demand justice.
The protest however turned violent when police allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd, injuring at least two demonstrators — Hassan Salisu Hassan and Muhammad Ibrahim — who were receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.
Muhammad revealed, “In retaliation, the enraged youths began hurling stones at the police officers and eventually set the station on fire. ”
Reports indicate that the DPO, Baba Ali also sustained severe injuries during the confrontation and was also receiving medical treatment.
Kano State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
The Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa assured the public that an investigation would be launched into the incident.
Kiyawa who responded to the incident on his official Facebook page wrote, “Incident in Rano — thorough investigation will be conducted by the Grace of God”.
