Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has mandated the immediate prosecution of over 600 hoodlums identified and arrested during the recent violent protests that resulted in loss of life and extensive property damage amounting to billions of Naira.
Since the protests began on Thursday, August 1, business and social activities in Kano have been severely disrupted, with criminal elements among the protesters looting both private and public properties.
In a press briefing yesterday, (Monday, August 5), the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, accused opposition politicians of sponsoring hoodlums to infiltrate the protests but assured that the state government is taking all necessary measures to restore normalcy.
Tofa stated: “We are all aware of the recent unfortunate incident where some hoodlums disrupted a peaceful protest in Kano, leading to the vandalism of public and private properties, as well as the maiming, injuring, and killing of innocent citizens in Kano State.
“His Excellency regrets the inconvenience caused by some unpatriotic politicians who are determined to create chaos in the state for their selfish interests. The governor wishes to state clearly that anyone found undermining the peace and stability of the state will be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.”
While emphasizing the state’s commitment to security, he added that while the government continues to closely monitor the situation, “it is important to note that Kano is gradually returning to normalcy.”
“However, we will not take anything for granted, as the government remains proactive on matters related to the security of lives and properties of its citizens,” Tofa stated.
Explaining several key actions the government is taking including, the prosecution, in Kano began today, of over 600 suspected hoodlums, allegedly sponsored to disrupt the peaceful protest, Tofa disclosed that the state government has ordered the resumption of various entrepreneurship and skills acquisition centers and training institutes, which will enroll thousands of youths to make them self-reliant while the state reformatory institute in Kiru has been renovated to full capacity for the enrollment of youths affected by drug abuse.
Furthermore, in response to numerous calls from ‘kind-hearted’ Nigerians, some members of the international community, human rights organizations, civil society and traditional and religious leaders, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has promised to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the killings and destruction of properties in Kano State.
“We urge the good people of Kano to support this decision by providing useful information to the commission of inquiry, which will be announced as soon as possible,” Tofa surmised.
