The Kano State Government has confirmed that three people lost their lives during a violent clash between security personnel and residents at Rimi Zakara, Ungogo Local Government Area. The incident occurred during a demolition exercise carried out in the area.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, addressed journalists on Monday evening, stating that the government would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
“The state government will investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent land dispute at Rimin Zakara, Ungogo LGA, which resulted in the loss of three lives,” Waiya said.
He added that the casualty figures were based on reports provided by security agencies.
Waiya announced that the state government would establish a commission of inquiry to examine the factors that led to the confrontation and the demolition of the affected structures. The committee’s findings would help determine the root cause of the conflict and guide further actions.
According to the commissioner, 840 legal occupants in the area had been identified and would be given grant title certificates. He noted that the demolition was carried out at the request of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), which owns the land.
Waiya explained that the land dispute had been ongoing for nearly 40 years. Despite multiple efforts by BUK to reclaim the land, previous attempts to remove illegal structures were unsuccessful. He stated that notices had been issued to illegal occupants before the operation, but some refused to comply.
He further noted that some of the affected residents allegedly engaged hoodlums to resist the eviction. During the clash, security personnel were reportedly attacked, leading them to act in self-defense.
