Rimin Zakara village in Ungogo local government area of Kano State witnessed chaos on Sunday night as a demolition exercise led to the tragic death of four persons.
The incident has sparked outrage and grief within the community.
Eyewitnesses reported that officials from the State’s Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, accompanied by security personnel, arrived at the site around 10pm to demolish over 40 properties. The action was met with fierce resistance from residents, leading to a violent clash.
In the ensuing chaos, security operatives allegedly discharged weapons, killing two people on the spot. Two others, who sustained severe injuries, were rushed to the hospital
A landowner, Ishaq Mohammad, who witnessed the demolition, described the scene as devastating. “We saw them arrive suddenly and begin demolishing our homes. When people protested, things escalated, and shots were fired. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
The Public Relations Officer of the State’s Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, stating that security personnel were deployed to protect government property but 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 explained.
The Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning confirmed that the disputed land, on which buildings were erected, belongs to Bayero University Kano (BUK), but it declined to comment further.
However, sources within the ministry revealed that a public statement would soon be issued regarding the matter.
Residents disputed the ministry’s claims, insisting that KNUPDA had previously cleared the properties, confirming they were not on the university’s land.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the state government nor the State Police Command has offered detailed explanations regarding the demolition and the attendant crisis that led to the tragic loss of lives.
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