Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered the immediate prosecution of over 600 hoodlums who were identified and arrested during the violent protest that took lives and destroyed properties running into billions of Naira.
Business and social activities have been disrupted in Kano since the beginning of the protest which saw unpatriotic elements looting both private and public properties.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, accused politicians from the opposition of sponsoring hoodlums who infiltrated the protest.
He said the state government was doing everything possible towards ensuring that things return to normal.
Bature said: “We are all aware of the recent unfortunate incident where some hoodlums disrupted a peaceful protest in Kano, leading to vandalism of public and private properties, as well as the maiming, injuring, and killing of innocent citizens in Kano State.
“His Excellency regrets the unfortunate inconvenience caused by some unpatriotic politicians who are determined to create chaos in the state for their selfish interests.
” The governor wishes to state clearly that anyone found undermining the peace and stability of the state will be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.
“While the government continues to monitor the situation closely, it is important to note that Kano is gradually returning to normalcy.
” However, we will not take anything for granted, as the government remains proactive on matters related to the security of lives and properties of its citizens.
“As such, the government has decided to communicate the following to the general public:
” The prosecution of over 600 suspected hoodlums who were sponsored to disrupt the peaceful protest in Kano started today.
” The governor of Kano State has directed the resumption of various entrepreneurship and skills acquisition centers and training institutes, which will enroll thousands of our youth to make them self-reliant.
” The state reformatory institute in Kiru has been renovated to full capacity and will begin enrolling youth affected by the menace of drug abuse in no distant time.
” In response to numerous calls from well-meaning Nigerians, including the international community, human rights organizations, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has decided to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the killings and destruction of public and private properties in Kano State.
“We urge the good people of Kano to support this decision by providing useful information to the commission of inquiry, which will be announced as soon as possible.
” Finally, we wish to make it clear that Kano State Government under the able leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has no direct or indirect relationship with any protesters especially those carrying the flags of any foreign country”.