Kano Group Denies Involvement in Arson and Looting During Protest

• During protests, the Kano State Peace Ambassadors condemned the burning and looting, asserting their rally was peaceful and legally permitted
• Chairman Nasiru Usman Naibawa urged citizens to avoid ongoing protests, emphasizing the need for lawfulness and criticizing attempts to tarnish their image

During the recent hardship protest in Kano, the Kano State Peace Ambassadors have distanced themselves from the burning and looting of shops.

Chairman Nasiru Usman Naibawa made this clear in a statement released on Saturday. Naibawa, a former chairman of Kumbotso Local Government, emphasized that their group organized a peaceful rally. They marched from their office at Audu Bako Way to present a letter to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, at his palace. They intended to present a similar letter to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf but refrained based on advice from security agencies.

Naibawa stressed that President Bola Tinubu needs more time to address the country’s challenges. He urged citizens to avoid participating in ongoing protests, which have led to lawlessness.

“I condemn those linking the recent looting of shops and the burning of the NCC Complex and High Court of Justice to Baffa Babba Danagundi. Danagundi is our grand patron, but some people are trying to tarnish his image,” Naibawa stated. “We are law-abiding citizens. Our peaceful rally had the security agencies’ permission. They were with us, and nobody among us broke the law.”

He questioned why the governor is associating the breakdown of law and order with his opponents.

“Everyone knows we regularly organize dinners for outgoing Commissioners of Police, Brigade Commanders, and other security heads in collaboration with the Kano Citizens Forum. Many prominent Kano citizens attend these events,” Naibawa said. “How could we engage in anything that breaks the law? Accusing our grand patron Baffa Babba Danagundi of violence is the highest form of injustice.”

Naibawa added that none of the over 300 arrested looters were linked to their group. He urged the Kano State Government to stop politicizing issues and focus on governance.