Angry youths in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State set part of the Rano Divisional Police Station ablaze on Sunday following allegations of police brutality that led to the death of a motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa.
The violent protest also resulted in the burning of two vehicles and vandalism of ten others.
The Kano State Police Command confirmed in a statement that the Divisional Police Officer was killed during the attack. According to the police, Musa was arrested on Sunday evening after multiple complaints from the public about his reckless riding, allegedly under the influence of drugs.
“While in custody, Musa became weak and was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he died the following morning while receiving treatment,” the police statement read.
The news of Musa’s death reportedly triggered violent protests, with hoodlums attacking the police station, looting the facility, and setting parts of it on fire. The deceased DPO sustained severe injuries during the attack and later died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Police authorities confirmed the arrest of 27 suspects in connection with the violence.
However, local sources claimed the situation escalated when police allegedly opened fire on protesters, injuring two youths.
“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,” an anonymous source said. The injured youths, identified as Kabiru Muhammad and Muhammad Ibrahim, are receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.
Another resident expressed grief over the incident, stating, “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.”
Kano State Police Command spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the unrest and promised a thorough investigation. “Incident in Rano, thorough investigation will be conducted by the Grace of God,” Haruna said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori visited the area to assess the situation and restore normalcy.
