Angry youths in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State set a section of the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters on fire following the death of a local motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa, who died in police custody.
According to local sources, the chaos erupted on Sunday evening after reports circulated that Abdullahi Musa had died under questionable circumstances while in police detention.
Musa, who was said to be under the influence of drugs, was reportedly arrested by officers for reckless riding after receiving several complaints from the public.
While in custody, he reportedly became weak and was taken to the Rano General Hospital. He died the next morning during treatment.
The Kano State Police Command confirmed the incident and noted that Musa’s death caused unrest in the area, leading to a violent confrontation between youths and law enforcement.
Hoodlums allegedly took advantage of the protest, attacking the Rano Divisional Police headquarters. In the process, they looted and torched part of the building, set two vehicles ablaze, and damaged at least 10 others.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Division sustained serious injuries during the attack. He was rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital but later died from the injuries, according to the police.
So far, 27 suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident. Police say investigations are ongoing.
A local resident, who asked not to be named, told VANGUARD that the situation escalated after officers allegedly opened fire on the crowd.
“We were protesting peacefully. We only wanted answers about what happened to Abdullahi Musa. But they started shooting at us leading to the injury of two young men,” the resident claimed. The injured have been identified as Kabiru Muhammad and Muhammad Ibrahim and are currently receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.
Another resident said, “It’s a sad day for our community. Abdullahi Musa was not a criminal. He was arrested, and now he is dead. We want justice.”
Spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the unrest and said the matter would be thoroughly investigated. “Incident in Rano, thorough investigation will be conducted by the Grace of God,” Haruna said.
