By Emmanuel Kwada
A devastating incident has unfolded in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, where four people were allegedly killed in a violent confrontation between residents and security operatives over demolition of properties.
The victims were reportedly shot dead by security personnel after residents resisted the destruction of their buildings, which were mostly residential structures under construction.
The victims were reportedly shot dead by security personnel after residents resisted the destruction of their buildings
The Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) had previously marked the affected structures for demolition, claiming the land belongs to Bayero University, Kano (BUK). However, a resident affected by the demolition stated that KNUPDA had earlier cleared the properties, confirming they were not on the university land.
The situation took a turn for the worse when security forces opened fire on the residents, killing four individuals who have since been buried. Efforts to get an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, with the agency’s managing director being unreachable and the office largely deserted due to fear of reprisals.
A senior KNUPDA director denied the agency’s involvement in the demolition, stating that it was carried out by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. The ministry has confirmed that the land belongs to BUK and has assured that the government will soon issue an official statement.