Four people have reportedly been killed following a violent clash in Rimin Zakara, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, between residents of the community and security operatives.
Victims were allegedly shot by security personnel after they resisted a demolition exercise of their properties allegedly belonging to Bayero University, Kano.
Eyewitnesses reported that the demolition occurred unexpectedly on Sunday night, leaving several people injured and two dead at the scene, while two later were confirmed dead at the hospital.
According to sources, the demolished structures numbering about 40 had previously been marked for demolition by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KANUPDA).
A resident affected by the demolition, who doesn’t want his name mention in print, said KNUPDA had previously clarified that the affected properties were not located on the university’s land.
Ishaq Habibu, an eyewitness, stated that the residents were not given prior notice of the demolition.
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He explained that while rumours of the impending exercise circulated earlier in the day, no official action was taken until the night.
“We thought there was no issue and had retired for the night, but that’s when the demolition occurred,” he narrated.
Meanwhile, KANUPDA spokesperson, Bahijja Kabara, said the agency was not responsible for the demolition, clarifying that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the security agencies have not responded to the matter.
