A violent confrontation between security operatives and residents of Rimin Auzinawa in the Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State has resulted in the deaths of four individuals. The clash erupted following the demolition of several buildings in the area.
Eyewitnesses stated that security personnel opened fire on residents who were protesting the destruction of their properties. The demolished structures, estimated to be around 40, were mostly residential buildings under construction. These properties had reportedly been marked for demolition by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) prior to the incident.
The dispute revolves around ownership of the land, which is said to belong to Bayero University, Kano (BUK). However, some residents insist that KNUPDA had previously cleared their properties, confirming they were not on university land.
One affected resident, who requested anonymity, shared his frustration over the unexpected demolition. “We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA, security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings. When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.
A staff member of KNUPDA, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that fear of retaliation had kept senior officials away.
“There is tension in the office. That’s why the car parks are empty and no senior officials are present. Only junior staff are here, with no clear directive on what to do,” the official told DAILY TRUST.
However, a senior KNUPDA director denied the agency’s involvement in the demolition, stating that it was carried out by a task force under the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
A representative from the ministry, who also spoke anonymously, confirmed that the land in question belongs to BUK and assured that the government would release an official statement soon.
