The Kano State Government has firmly defended its decision to demolish structures in Rimin Zakara, Ungogo LGA, despite the violent clash that left four people dead.
The Director of Public Relations of the Kano Ministry of Lands and Planning, Umar Abdu, stated that the land in question belongs to Bayero University Kano (BUK) and was illegally occupied.
READ ALSO: Kano: Two killed, four injured as demolition hits Rimin Zakara
On Sunday night, a demolition operation took place in Rimin Zakara, where over 50 houses under construction were brought down. The operation, led by security forces, sparked resistance from residents, resulting in a violent confrontation. Security personnel opened fire, killing four people and escalating tensions in the area.
A senior KNUPDA director, speaking anonymously, insisted that the demolition was carried out by a task force from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, not KNUPDA. However, residents continue to claim that KNUPDA had previously cleared the properties and confirmed they were not situated on university land.
Commissioner of Information Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya explained that the demolition was conducted at BUK’s request after the university obtained a land ownership certificate following a 40-year wait. Waiya emphasized that the government had issued prior warnings and involved multiple security agencies to enforce the eviction.
He expressed regret over the loss of lives but blamed the escalation on suspected hoodlums who allegedly attacked security personnel during the operation.
