Violence broke out in the Rano local government area of Kano State on Monday following the death of a young man, Abdullahi Musa, in police custody.
The incident sparked public outrage, leading to street protests that resulted in the burning down of the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to residents, Musa, who was arrested for a traffic-related offence, reportedly died during interrogation.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano, identified as Baba Ali, subjected the deceased to brutal physical assault, leading to his untimely death.
“A young man was beaten mercilessly by the DPO. Later, we heard he died in their custody. That’s what triggered the protest,” a resident simply identified as Muhammad revealed.
The death of Musa ignited widespread anger among local youths, who stormed the police station to demand justice.
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The protest, however, turned violent when police allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd, injuring at least two demonstrators — Hassan Salisu Hassan and Muhammad Ibrahim — who are currently receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.
Muhammad revealed, “In retaliation, the enraged youths began hurling stones at the police officers and eventually set the station on fire”.
The Spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyaw, has confirmed the incident.
He assured the public that an investigation would be launched into the incident.
Kiyawa who responded to the incident on his official Facebook page wrote, “Incident in Rano — thorough investigation will be conducted by the Grace of God”.
He also confirmed the death of the DPO, Baba Ali, in the aftermath of a clash with youths in the area.
“The Command, while commiserating with the family of the deceased DPO that paid the supreme price in active service, appeals to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, allowing the investigation to progress uninterrupted.
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