Violence broke out in Rano local government area of Kano state on Monday, May 26, following the de@th of a young man identified as Abdullahi Musa allegedly in police custody.
The incident sparked public outrage, leading to street protests that resulted in the burning down of the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters.
Residents of the area claim that Musa who was arrested for a traffic-related offence, d!ed during interrogation.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano identified as Baba Ali, subjected the deceased to brutal physical assault, leading to his untimely de@th.
“A young man was beaten mercilessly by the DPO. Later, we heard he d!ed in their custody. That’s what triggered the protest” a resident simply identified as Muhammad revealed
The death of Musa ignited widespread anger among local youths, who stormed the police station to demand justice. The protest however took a different dimension when police allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd, injuring at least two demonstrators identified as Hassan Salisu Hassan and Muhammad Ibrahim. The victims were rushed to the Rano General Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
“In retaliation, the enraged youths began hurling stones at the police officers and eventually set the station on fire. ”
Reports indicate that the DPO, Baba Ali also sustained severe injuries during the confrontation and was also receiving medical treatment.
Kano State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
The Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa assured the public that an investigation would be launched into the incident.
Kiyawa who responded to the incident on his official Facebook page wrote, “Incident in Rano — thorough investigation will be conducted by the Grace of God”.
