Traders and owners of demolished shops at Massallacin Idi in the Kofar Mata area of Kano State are urging a criminal investigation into the demolition, implicating Governor Abba Yusuf and the leader of the New National Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
They claim that the demolition resulted in 30 deaths and the loss of properties worth N260 billion. The victims are also calling for the investigation of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi, and Engr. Muhammad Diggol, among others, over their alleged roles in the exercise.
Efforts to get officials of the government to react to the allegations and the victims’ petition to the state police command proved unsuccessful. However, a government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the matter had gone to court, judgment had been entered, and a settlement reached with the victims.
In a briefing in Kano, the victims, through their lawyer Maruf Yakasai, claimed that the governor had never shown regret for his actions, justifying their call for an investigation to serve as a deterrent to others. In a complaint letter addressed to the State Police Commissioner, the victims demanded an investigation into criminal conspiracy, theft, criminal misappropriation, and mischief.
According to the victims, the demolition occurred on June 5, 2023, without any notice, resulting in the destruction of structures, looting of properties, and the loss of lives. They alleged that the government, rather than offering an apology, officially stated that it had no regret over the demolition exercise. The victims seek justice and compensation for their losses, estimating the value of the destroyed properties at N260 billion.
