Demolition:We Will Investigate The Killings - Kano Information Commissioner

By Abdullahi Yusuf 

Kano State Government says it will investigate the alleged killing of protesters during the demolition of some buildings at Rimin Zakara on the outskirts of the state capital on Sunday.

A combined team of security operatives allegedly opened fire, killing four persons and injuring several others during the demolition of the buildings illegally erected on some lands belonging to the Bayero University,Kano (BUK).

Eye witnesses said four protesters were killed during the shooting, but the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Wayya, said three deaths were recorded during the incident.

Wayya told newsmen that the casualty figures were based on information provided by security agencies.

"The operation was conducted at the request of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the rightful owner of the land, to evacuate illegal occupants. 

"There have been lingering disputes over the land for about 40 years. BUK’s previous attempts to remove illegal structures were unsuccessful," he said.

He explained that despite notices served to illegal occupants, they remained defiant and allegedly engaged hoodlums who launched an attack, injuring security agents.

“Based on security information, three deaths have been confirmed, not four as previously reported,” he said.

He assured that the government would investigate the matter to determine the root causes and the actual number of casualties.