Kano State Demolition: OGMNews.com – Victims of the Kano demolition, represented by Masallacin Idi Shop Owners and Traders Association, have accused prominent figures, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and SSG Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, of criminal conspiracy, theft, misappropriation, and mischief. The allegations, rooted in the Penal Code and state laws, have sparked a call for a criminal investigation by the state police commissioner, Muhammad Usain Gumel.
The aggrieved group, having previously reached an out-of-court settlement with kano state government, is now demanding justice. Through their legal representative, Ma’ruf Yakasai, they emphasize the need for the law to address the situation and hold those responsible accountable.
Petition for Criminal Investigations and Accountability In Kano State
Masallacin Idi Shop Owners and Traders Association has formally petitioned the state police commissioner, urging a thorough criminal investigation into the actions leading to the demolition and the subsequent loss of lives. The petition highlights the severe consequences faced by victims, including the destruction of livelihoods, health issues, and even fatalities.
The victims stress that, for the sake of justice and posterity, legal measures must be taken. The petition, signed by the group’s chairman, Auwalu Sa’idu Umar, and secretary, Ibrahim Salisu Nyas, aims to ensure that those responsible for the demolition and its aftermath are brought to justice.
Political Influence and Election Promises In Kano State
The victims claim that the demolition was a fulfillment of promises made by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the ruling NNPP party, during the 2023 gubernatorial election campaign. Allegedly, Kwankwaso publicly declared that if his party emerged victorious, they would demolish the structures and shops owned by the association at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground.
The subsequent victory of the NNPP in the election led to the swift formation of a committee by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the execution of the demolition. The victims argue that the political influence and promises made during the election played a pivotal role in the tragic events of May 5, 2023.
Lack of Notice and Sympathy during Demolition In Kano State
The victims recount the harrowing events of May 5, 2023, as a day that brought devastation to the traders and shop owners in Kano. The democratically elected government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, executed the demolition without prior notice or an opportunity for the affected members to secure their goods and properties.
The lack of sympathy during the demolition, conducted at 01:00 hours, left the victims in despair. The association alleges that not only were their livelihoods destroyed, but opportunistic individuals were also encouraged by the government to loot their properties, further exacerbating the tragedy.
Humanitarian Crisis and Losses
The aftermath of the demolition has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with victims facing significant losses. The destruction of shops, goods, and cash has left many in dire circumstances, with some losing their lives and others now dealing with various illnesses. The victims’ lawyer, Ma’ruf Yakasai, states that the total estimated value of the lost and destroyed properties amounts to two hundred and sixty billion Naira.
The victims’ orphans and children are particularly vulnerable, left without parental care and attention, while others are rendered homeless and deprived of essential needs like education and medical care.
Call for Justice and Compensation
In the pursuit of justice, the victims, through their legal representation, emphasize the necessity for the law to take its course. They stress the severity of the situation, highlighting the impact on individuals who have lost their means of livelihood, experienced health issues, and even faced fatalities.
The group, having started to receive a portion of the agreed compensation, demands accountability for the demolition and its aftermath. The call for justice extends beyond financial compensation, aiming to address the broader societal implications and ensure that such incidents do not repeat in the future.
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