Four people have been killed in the Rimin Auzinawa area of Ungogo Local Government, Kano State, after violent clashes between residents and security personnel over the demolition of buildings.
The victims were fatally shot by security forces following protests against the destruction of their homes.
Sources indicate that the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) had planned the demolition of around 40 residential properties, which were being constructed on land believed to be owned by Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that KNUPDA had previously approved the properties, confirming they were not situated on university land. However, on Sunday night, KNUPDA and security officials arrived and demolished the buildings, leading to resistance from locals. Tragically, security forces opened fire during the altercation, resulting in four deaths.
Attempts to reach KNUPDA for comment have been unsuccessful.
Journalists who visited the KNUPDA office reported an unusual calm, with staff suggesting the absence of senior officials was due to fear of potential reprisals.
A senior director from KNUPDA clarified that the demolition was carried out by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, not by KNUPDA. An anonymous source from the ministry confirmed that the land belongs to BUK and assured that an official statement would be released soon.