Many feared killed as protesters, security operatives clash in Kano

Many people have been feared killed while others sustained injuries in a clash between security operatives and hoodlums in Kano.

Daily Trust reports that at least eight people, including women and children, were shot in the incident that happened after protesters in the #EndBadGovernance demonstration defied the curfew imposed by the Kano state government.

Quoting many witnesses, the newspaper said trouble started when security operatives attempted to disperse some youths who defied the curfew imposed by the Kano state government to continue the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The protest in Kano has been marred by violence, looting, and destruction of properties.

“At least eight people were shot in our area, including females and children. An elderly woman is now dead alongside three others, while many have sustained serious injuries,” a witness who saw the incident in the Rijiyar Lemo area said.

“What really happened is, you know the curfew is still in place, so people defy that and came out protesting, and that’s when the security operatives swoop into action, trying to disperse them, and in the process, they have to shoot for the clearance operation to be successful.”

The protesters, brandishing placards, gathered at Mandawari, Kofar Kwaru, and parts of the Nasarawa area of Kano, chanting, “We would rather be killed by a bullet than killed by hunger.”

Some hoodlums were said to have attempted to loot shops, including a Rufaida yoghurt outlet, but were dispersed by security agents.

On Thursday, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, imposed a 24-hour curfew after the nationwide #EndbadGovernance protest turned violent.

During the protest, hoodlums attacked and looted public and private properties in Kano, including the newly built Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, which was also set ablaze.

Some youths were seen making away with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances from the centre.

However, the government relaxed the curfew for five hours on Friday from noon to 5 pm for residents to be able to attend the Jumuat prayers.

Meanwhile, the police command in Kano said about 269 suspects were arrested for their involvement in the looting of public properties during the protest.