Governor Abba Yusuf has attributed the violence that erupted during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano to hoodlums loyal to the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and thugs allegedly sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The turmoil led to a breach of the Government House on Thursday, where armed youths set bonfires outside the building after storming the premises.
Governor Yusuf detailed the sequence of events, explaining that thousands of “peaceful” protesters had gathered in front of the Government House to submit a letter expressing their grievances. The protest, initially peaceful, took a violent turn when armed hoodlums emerged from ‘Gidan Nasarawa,’ the palace of the ousted Emir Bayero. The governor had removed Bayero from his position months earlier, which has been a point of contention.
“These hoodlums, wielding weapons, advanced towards the Government House and launched attacks on security personnel,” Governor Yusuf stated. “Thanks to the Almighty God, you’ve all seen what happened yesterday, contrary to the organizers’ promise of a peaceful demonstration. Thousands of protesters gathered at Murtala House and were received by security operatives at the Government House, waiting for the governor’s official reception.”
The governor described how the situation escalated: “Suddenly, from ‘Gidan Nasarawa,’ hoodlums appeared with weapons, approaching the Government House. Simultaneously, vehicles were seen bringing more armed hoodlums to the area.”
In response, security personnel had to take decisive action. “They threw teargas at the assailants and battled them for at least three hours. Eventually, the hoodlums receded but began looting houses, shops, and government offices, setting fires to anything in their path, including a newly built ICT center slated for commissioning this week,” Governor Yusuf reported.
The governor’s remarks highlight the complex and volatile nature of the protests, underscoring the challenges faced by the government in maintaining order amidst political and social unrest.
