Four killed in Kano as residents, security forces clash over demolition

At least four people have been killed in a violent confrontation between residents and security forces in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State. 

The clash reportedly occurred after security personnel attempted to demolish properties, leading to the deaths of the victims who were allegedly shot while retaliating.

The properties, primarily residential buildings under construction, were among approximately 40 structures marked for demolition by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

The land is said to belong to Bayero University, Kano (BUK), though a resident, who requested anonymity, insisted that the structures had been previously cleared by KNUPDA, confirming they were not located on the university’s land.

“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA, security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings.

“When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.

Efforts to get an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as the agency’s managing director was unreachable.

When our correspondent visited KNUPDA’s office, it was found largely deserted, with a staff member attributing the absence of key officials to fear of reprisals.

“There is tension in the office. That’s why the car parks are empty and no senior officials are present. Only junior staff are here, with no clear directive on what to do,” the official said.

A senior KNUPDA director, the only high-ranking official available, insisted the demolition was not carried out by KNUPDA, but rather by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

An official from the ministry, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that the land belongs to BUK and assured that the government would soon issue an official statement.