A Kano State House of Assembly member, Abdul-Majid Umar has been attacked by a mob during a peace prayer event at Isyaka Rabiu’s residence in Goron Dutse area of the state.
The event, which was meant to promote peace and stability, was attended by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero on Saturday.
Umar, who represents Gwale local government under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), was seated next to the deposed Emir during the event.
After leaving the venue, Umar faced intense hostility from those who accused him of supporting a bill responsible for Bayero’s removal from the throne.
The confrontation escalated into violence.
Umar described his experience to BBC HAUSA, stating that after the deposed Emir arrived, his supporters began verbally attacking him and his colleagues.
They blamed Umar for the repeal of the Emirate Council Law 2019, which led to Bayero’s dethronement.
According to Umar, the deposed Emir intervened to protect him from palace guards who attempted to assault him. Bayero physically pushed one guard away and reprimanded another, which helped mitigate the immediate threat.
Despite Bayero’s efforts, Umar felt increasingly unsafe as the only government official present. He decided to leave the event but was subsequently attacked by individuals armed with dangerous weapons. Umar managed to escape by jumping into a police vehicle.
Two of Umar’s supporters were injured during the attack. Umar’s swift departure in the police vehicle was crucial in avoiding further harm.
Khalid Adamu, a media aide to the deposed Emir, denied that the attackers were part of Bayero’s entourage. Adamu asserted that while Bayero had many supporters at the event, none were armed.
The violent incident is part of ongoing strife in Kano following the repeal of the State Emirate Council Law 2019. This law, enacted under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, created four new emirates and significantly changed the traditional emirate structure.
Tensions in Kano have heightened since the repeal, with the deposed Emir Bayero remaining at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, while the reinstated Emir Mohammad Sanusi II occupies the main palace.
The conflict continues to affect the region’s stability.