The Kano State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater bus transporting Igbo passengers in the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa labeled the claims as false and misleading. He urged the public to avoid spreading unverified reports, emphasizing that such misinformation could incite panic and disrupt peace in the state.
“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, regardless of ethnicity or religion,” Kiyawa stated. He added that authorities have launched an investigation to identify the source of the fake news and bring those responsible to justice.
The controversy follows a statement from the Edo community in Kano condemning the recent killing of 16 Northerners in Uromi, Edo State. Community spokesperson Philip Tomor urged the government to take decisive action and ensure justice for the victims.
“We stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo in condemning this gruesome act. We urge security agencies to investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable,” Tomor said.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for swift legal action against the perpetrators. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya, described the attack in Edo as an alarming case of extrajudicial violence.
Waiya revealed that initial reports suggest the victims, mainly hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebrations, were ambushed by a local vigilante group. Their vehicle was allegedly intercepted before they were beaten and set ablaze.
“This barbaric act is not just a tragedy for the families affected but also a reminder of the rising trend of mob justice in Nigeria. It undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in state institutions,” Waiya said.
He called on President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo to take a firm stance against such acts and ensure that those involved face the full weight of the law.
In a related development, the Kano State Police Command has also announced a ban on Durbar festivities during the upcoming Eid-El-Fitr celebrations, citing security concerns. Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori stated that intelligence reports indicated potential threats associated with the event, necessitating the precautionary measure.
