February 03, (THEWILL) – A government-led demolition exercise in Rimin Zakara village, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, turned tragic on Sunday night, leaving four people dead following a violent confrontation between security operatives and residents.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when officials, accompanied by security personnel, arrived to demolish structures allegedly built on disputed land.
Eyewitnesses said the operation met stiff resistance from community members, escalating into chaos.
According to Ishaq Mohammad, a landowner in the area, the security operatives opened fire after tensions flared, killing two people on the spot.
Two others, who sustained gunshot wounds, were rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead.
Mohammad also claimed that over 40 houses were demolished during the exercise, leaving many residents displaced.
Confirming the incident, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano Command, stated that security personnel were deployed to safeguard government officials and property during the operation.
However, he alleged that the team was attacked by aggrieved residents, resulting in injuries to one officer and damage to security vehicles.
“The security personnel were there to maintain order and protect government property, but unfortunately, they were met with hostility,” Abdullahi said.
A source at the Kano State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning disclosed that the disputed land belongs to Bayero University, Kano adding that the demolition was part of efforts to reclaim the property.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hinted that the state government would issue an official statement regarding the incident in due course.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
