Four Killed In Kano Clash Over Demolition Of Buildings

Four people have reportedly been shot dead in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a violent confrontation between residents and security operatives over the demolition of properties.

The victims were allegedly killed when security forces opened fire on residents protesting the overnight destruction of their buildings by officials of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

Eyewitnesses said the demolished structures—about 40 residential buildings under construction—had been previously marked by KNUPDA, despite earlier assurances that they were not on Bayero University, Kano (BUK) land.

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“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings. When people resisted, they opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried,” a resident said.

Attempts to get an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as key officials were absent from the agency’s office, reportedly due to fear of reprisals.

A senior KNUPDA director, however, denied involvement, claiming the demolition was carried out by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

An official from the ministry later confirmed that the disputed land belongs to BUK and stated that the government would issue an official response soon.

Tension remains high in the area as residents demand justice for the lives lost and properties destroyed.