A violent clash between security operatives and protesters defying a government-imposed curfew has left several people feared dead and many others injured in Kano.
The unrest erupted during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in the state.
Eyewitnesses reported that at least eight people, including women and children, were shot in the confrontation that occurred in the Rijiyar Lemo area.
An elderly woman and three others are confirmed dead, with many others sustaining serious injuries.
“At least eight people were shot in our area, including females and children. An elderly woman is now dead alongside three others, while many have sustained serious injuries,” recounted a witness who saw the incident unfold.
When contacted, the police spokesman in the state, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident but said “we are still gathering information at the moment and will release the full details of what happened once the investigation is complete”.
Also, Kano Commissioner of Information, Baba Dantiye, confirmed that people died at Kofar Nasawa and Kurna as a result of clash between protesters and the police.
The trouble reportedly began when security forces attempted to disperse youths who had gathered in defiance of the 24-hour curfew imposed by the Kano State Government.
The protesters, brandishing placards, had gathered at Mandawari, Kofar Kwaru, and parts of the Nasarawa area of Kano, chanting slogans such as, “We would rather be killed by a bullet than killed by hunger.”
The protest, which started peacefully on Thursday, spiralled into violence. Hoodlums were said to have attempted to loot shops, including a Rufaida yoghurt outlet, but were dispersed by security agents.
Some public and private properties across Kano were attacked. Notably, the newly built Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park was set ablaze, with looters making away with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances from the facility.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf had imposed a 24-hour curfew in response to the deteriorating security situation, aiming to restore order in the state. However, the defiance of the curfew has led to further clashes.
Kano violence through Nationwide Protest ends up in declaring a curfew
The Kano State Government has relaxed the curfew imposed on the state following the violence that trailed the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, disclosed to Channels Television in an audio he sent on Saturday, adding that the curfew would be relaxed from 8am to 2pm.
“Having reviewed the curfew and worried by the situation the people have gotten in as a result of the curfew, His Excellency has directed that the curfew be relaxed now from 8am, tomorrow Sunday, August 4 to 2 pm respectively,” he said.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties of Kano residents.
“The government is concerned about the security of lives and properties, that was why a curfew was imposed for 24 hours.
“This will continue, and the situation will continue to be reviewed. When the security situation improves, the decision will be taken a further review. I hope the people will comply.”
According to Dantiye, the decision to relax the curfew is to enable people go about their normal businesses within the period.
The commissioner also extended the condolence of the state governor, Abba Yusuf, to the families of the people that lost their loved ones.
“The governor extends his condolences to the families of the people that lost their loved ones and those that lost their properties in the few days of protests that was hijacked by hoodlums.”
He also thanked the people for cooperating with the state government as well as complying with the government’s directives.
On Thursday, Governor Yusuf imposed a 24-hour curfew after the nationwide #EndbadGovernance protest turned violent.
The 10-day protest against bad governance and economic hardship kicked off in many states nationwide.
During the protest, hoodlums attacked and looted public and private properties in Kano, including the newly built Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, which was also set ablaze.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre was scheduled for commissioning next week.
Some youths were seen making away with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances from the centre.
The police command in Kano said about 269 suspects were arrested for their involvement in looting of public properties during the protest
