The Kano State Police Command has opened an investigation into a renewed outbreak of violence linked to the ongoing leadership tussle within the Kano Emirate.
The disturbance reportedly involved supporters of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and loyalists of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The clash is said to have erupted as Bayero’s convoy, returning from a condolence visit to the family of the late business magnate Aminu Dantata, passed along the Kofar Kudu route, which leads to the palace currently occupied by Sanusi.
Following the incident, both camps have exchanged accusations, each blaming the other for provoking the confrontation.
In a statement released by Sadam Yakasai on behalf of the Kano Emirate Media Team, supporters of Bayero were accused of instigating the violence by attacking the Kofar Kudu palace and injuring security personnel on duty.
“His (Bayero’s) hoodlums breached the security of Gidan Rumfa. They broke the gate and attacked the guards, injuring some of them. They smashed police vehicles stationed at the palace,” Yakasai stated.
He continued, “The deposed Emir was returning from the condolence visit he paid to the family of late Aminu Dantata. He deliberately passed through Emir’s Palace Road instead of taking the proper route from Koki to Nassarawa, and his hoodlums decided to attack Gidan Rumfa. This is not the first time he has passed through the area. He had done so previously after visiting his Mandawari residence, with the intention of intimidating residents of the area. This is the first time deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is taking his fight directly to Gidan Rumfa while remaining in his heavily secured domain at Nassarawa Palace, near the Kano State Government House. This recent action is a clear case of aggression and desperation.”
Responding to these claims, Muktar Dahiru, who was part of Bayero’s entourage, refuted the allegations and described the incident as the result of unprovoked aggression by unidentified individuals.
“I was on the entourage of the Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, at the time of the incident. We were actually coming from Koki quarters after a condolence visit to the family of Aminu Dantata,” Dahiru explained. “While returning to the Nassarawa Palace through Kofar Kudu, we saw some hoodlums blocking the road in front of the palace. They were armed with dangerous weapons. At that point, the supporters of Emir Bayero confronted them to clear the way. They succeeded, and Emir Bayero made his way through unhurt.”
He added that the police quickly arrived and used tear gas to disperse the assailants.
The Kano State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident and assured the public that an investigation is underway. He stated that Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori has constituted a special panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the clash and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
