Kano residents groan over return of political thuggery

Residents in Kano metropolis have expressed concern over the sudden return of political thuggery in the state, appealing to those in the corridor of power to address the situation before it goes out of hand. Kano Chronicle findings revealed that political thuggery re-emerged in the state following the lingering crisis between the incumbent Governor of […]

Residents in Kano metropolis have expressed concern over the sudden return of political thuggery in the state, appealing to those in the corridor of power to address the situation before it goes out of hand.

Kano Chronicle findings revealed that political thuggery re-emerged in the state following the lingering crisis between the incumbent Governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his predecessor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

Supporters of the two political gladiators have clashed at several occasions leading to injuring of scores of people including some top political personalities and their relations in the state.

For instance, sometimes in September last year, supporters of Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya had a bloody clash at Kofar Kudu, Emir’s palace during the famous Hawan Daushe, where scores of people including former Secretary to Kano state government, Dr Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi and a younger brother to Kwankwaso were injured.

Also injured during the attack were Dr Yunusa Adamu Dangwani and Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam both former commissioners under Kwankwaso’s administration.

Three months after, supporters of the two politicians clashed again in Chiranchi quarters, injuring six people including two brothers of the present Commissioner of Special Duties, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.

On Sunday, February 4, 2018, some members of the ruling APC have another clashed at the party secretarial along Maiduguri road allegedly over nomination of party flag bearer for Nassarawa local council’s chairmanship slot. Our reporter gathered that some youth were injured during the fight.

In Dawakin Kudu local government area of the state at least five persons were injured on Monday following a clash between supporters of Ganduje and Kwankwaso in Talatar-Jido village.

The angry supporters engaged themselves wielding weapons and burnt several shops at Kwanar-Talatar Jido during the clash.

A witness, Abdulmajid Garba Jido, said the fight started shortly after some members of Gandujiyya group finished their meeting in the village around 2pm.

He said, “The APC’s flag bearer for chairmanship was in the village for a meeting  with his supporters and on their way out, they met some Kwankwasiyya members at Kwanar Jido. Fight erupted between members of the groups. Five people were injured and several shops burnt during the clash.”

He said the injured persons were later rushed to Mariri hospital for medical attention.

Some residents, who spoke to Kano Chronicle on the issue, described as unfortunate, the return of thuggery in the state, saying government and security agencies, particularly the police, must wake up and address the situation before it is too late.

Alhaji Ibrahim Sani of Gyadi-Gyadi quarters said, “I was about to go out with my car last week, I saw some youths wielding local weapons and when I inquired, I was told that they were preparing to go to a political campaign for the forthcoming local government election in the state.

“The situation is frightening. I really pity our youths who allowed themselves to be used by politicians to achieve their political goals.” 

Another resident, Aminuddeen Yusuf of Gandun-Albasa, said, “Parents have a greater role to play in handling the situation. They should put eyes on their children; they should know their movements and who are their friends. This will help them in ensuring their better upbringing.”

Yusuf, however, said parents alone could not achieve this without the assistance of the society as a whole, noting that members of the society must help the parents in training the younger generation.

Alhaji Habibu Musa of Unguwa-Uku, attributed the return of thuggery to the issue of unemployment. he said if  the youths were engaged in doing something, they would not have time for thuggery.

“The government, parents and the society must put their heads together and come up with a solution to this problem. I think, this issue concerns everyone because if the children are morally sound, it would be better for the society and if they become thugs, everybody will bear the consequences.”

Alhaji Bello Sanusi of Dakata quarters in Nassarawa local government area of the state opined that the issue of thuggery needs holistic approach as the problem is becoming more pronounced in the state this time around.

Sanusi explained that it was unfortunate that whenever election approaches, the politicians would mobilise youths and introduce them to thuggery, lamenting that “Unless we stop the trend, we will continue to spoil our future by destroying the lives of our youths.”

He stressed that it was unfortunate the situation is becoming worst as the local government election was approaching, advising that “Ganduje and Kwankwaso should put their political differences behind their back and call their followers to order.

“We need peace in Kano state more than anything else. Government must do something to stop killing of our youths in the name of politics. The blood of innocent citizens must be protected.”

When contacted for comment, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Musa Majia said police were doing their best in handling the situation and would continue to do everything within the ambit of law to address the situation in order to have peace in the state.