‘Four killed’ as residents, security operatives clash over building demolition in Kano

At least four persons have reportedly died in the Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo LGA of Kano state, after security operatives clashed with residents during a demolition exercise.

The victims were allegedly shot when security personnel fired shots as residents tried to prevent their homes from being demolished.

TheCable understands that the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) had marked about 40 buildings under construction for demolition.

There are also reports that Bayero University, Kano (BUK), claims ownership of the disputed land.

A resident affected by the demolition said KNUPDA had initially assured them that their properties did not encroach on BUK’s land.

“We settled everything with KNUPDA, and they assured us that our properties were not on BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials from KNUPDA arrived with security operatives and demolished the buildings,” the resident said.

“When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s heartbreaking.”

Attempts to get a response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful as the agency’s managing director was unavailable.

When our correspondent visited the KNUPDA office, it was nearly empty.

A staff member attributed the absence of senior officials to security concerns over fear of a possible reprisal attack by angry residents.

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

The only senior KNUPDA official available distanced the agency from the demolition, saying a task force from the ministry of land and physical planning handled the operation.

An official from the ministry, who also spoke anonymously, confirmed that BUK owns the plot of land, noting that the state government would soon release an official statement.