I n a viral video on Friday, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf accused the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), of sponsoring thugs and hoodlums who hijacked the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
Speaking from the premises of the Kano State printing press, which was vandalised on Thursday, Governor Yusuf recounted the events leading to the violence. “Yesterday, protesters gathered at the government house as promised, and security operatives welcomed them without any issues. They were waiting for the governor to address them when suddenly, buses carrying thugs arrived, and violence erupted," he said.
According to the governor, the attackers began looting government properties, attacking homes with machetes, and targeting private businesses to steal their belongings. “The protesters, in large numbers, invaded the ICT park, broke into offices, and made off with state-of-the-art equipment worth billions of Naira. Some of the looted items included computers, air conditioners, chairs, tables, solar batteries, and panels. The ICT park was scheduled to be inaugurated next week by the governor and the minister," Yusuf explained.
He further detailed the destruction caused by the attackers, including the vandalisation of the Sharia court, looting, and destruction of all contents inside, and the theft of an engine bought by former governor Audu Bako from the Kano State government printing press. The facility was vandalised, roofing sheets removed, and set on fire. Local stores were also looted, with essential items such as groundnut oil being stolen. Despite the chaos, Governor Yusuf commended the courage of the security operatives who overpowered the attackers and recovered some of the stolen items.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed regret over the infiltration of the planned peaceful protest by thugs allegedly hired by 'enemies of the state' from within and neighbouring states, resulting in chaos and unrest in a state previously known for its tranquility. “We are aware that unpatriotic politicians from the opposition party have sponsored thugs, who are on a rampage, looting and destroying properties of innocent citizens,” he said.
At least two fatalities were reported in Kano State amid the #EndBadGovernance protests, which swept across the country, including Kano. Widespread looting and chaos ensued, prompting the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew to restore order.
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