A pressing national security issue has emerged in Kano regarding escalating violence in the State capital, following a deadly attack involving rival gangs that resulted in the deaths of four people, prompting a significant alert from local residents.
In a press statement addressed to President Tinubu, a group, the Concerned Kano Residents (CKR), has issued a dire warning to President Tinubu highlighting an escalating crisis marked by violence, lawlessness, and the increasing influence of armed thugs.
The statement described a chaotic situation in the city, with rival gangs clashing and targeting innocent civilians and expressed their deep concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region. “We have a problem at our hands and a very serious one,” the statement reads, highlighting a collective complacency that has led to the dangerous escalation.
The violence erupted as rival thugs reportedly engaged in a revenge mission linked to the killing of a gang leader from Sheka. This incident has raised alarms among residents and officials alike who fear that the situation could spiral further out of control.
In a recent incident along Zoo Road, four people were killed by thugs seeking revenge for the death of their gang leader from Sheka, who was killed during the protests on August 1. The report noted widespread incidents of thuggery, looting, and destruction of property across Kano, which has left residents in fear for their safety.
In a viral video that was posted on the social media platforms yesterday, a youth was seen issuing threats that the youth will soon block the streets as from today, and even threatened that they will soon start pursuing the wealthy people in their houses and slaughtering them.
The CKR emphasised that Kano has been overrun by dangerous groups of miscreants, ranging in age from 11 to 30 years old. These groups, described as armed with cutlasses and engaging in criminal activities, are reportedly composed of school dropouts, migrants, street beggars, and other vulnerable youth.
The group highlighted the complex affiliations and organised operations of these groups, posing a severe threat to public safety.
The CKR warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, likening it to a “keg powder” waiting to explode. They expressed concern over the lack of coordination between the State’s Chief Security Officer and security agencies, leaving the State governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf struggling to manage the crisis. Furthermore, the CKR pointed to the fragmentation of traditional institutions and political divisions, which according to them hinder a unified response to the growing threat.
The statement underscored the critical importance of Kano in Nigeria and the Sahel region, both economically and politically, and called for a comprehensive plan to address the issue of youth unemployment and the rise of thuggery, emphasising that the problem transcends political rivalries.
The CKR stressed the need for the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to collaborate with the State governor and respect his authority as the State’s Chief Security Officer.
The group urged communities, especially in metropolitan Kano, to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to identify and root out criminals. They also advocated for a massive reorientation programme involving community-based organisations, civil society organisations (CSOs), local and state governments, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to address the underlying issues contributing to the crisis.
The CKR concluded with a somber warning, stating that the current complacency and inaction could lead to disastrous consequences. They called for immediate and decisive action to restore security and order in Kano, emphasising that the safety of lives and property must be the Government’s primary concern.
