A violent clash erupted in Rimin Zakara, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, resulting in four fatalities as residents confronted security operatives during a demolition exercise.
The incident unfolded when residents resisted the demolition of properties allegedly belonging to Bayero University Kano (BUK). Eyewitnesses reported that the demolition occurred unexpectedly during the night, leaving several people injured and two dead at the scene. Two others succumbed to their injuries later in the night.
Ishaq Habibu, an eyewitness, stated that the residents were not given prior notice of the demolition. He explained that while rumors 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 said.
The clash led to the shooting of six people, two of whom died on the spot, while the others were hospitalized but later passed away. Habibu further claimed that before building his house in the area, he had confirmed with relevant authorities that there were no issues with the land.
The demolition was reportedly carried out by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning and the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA). Bullets were found scattered in the area after the incident.
Efforts to obtain statements from the Ministry of Land and KNUPDA officials were unsuccessful, though the state government is expected to address the matter publicly soon.