Kano politics has started taking a violent turn as group of unidentified armed thugs on Thursday morning set the gubernatorial campaign office of Senator Barau Jibrin, ablaze.
Jibrin is a factional governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Senator Ibrahim Shekarau ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election.
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This turn of events in the APC follows the court’s verdict on the disputed ward congresses of the party where the Shekarau led faction emerged victorious against the governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje led faction chaired by a Kano Prince, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.
The attack on Senator Barau’s office came barely less than 24 hours when the state government sealed off the building housing the legal firm that secured victory in the court for Shekarau led faction.
Thugs in their hundreds were said to have arrived at the Maiduguri Road office of the party, vandalising billboards, furniture and setting part of it on fire before proceeding to Zoo Road where they also vandalise a new office which the factional chairman of the party, Ahmadu Danzago is planning to occupy.
Daily News 24 learnt that the police command in the state had already deployed personnel to the areas with a view to douse the tension.
Ismaila Dikko, the state Commissioner of Police, has confirmed the attacks to journalists, saying he had dispatched policemen to the scenes to cordoned off the area and restore normalcy.
“We are already in control of the situation, and my men have fully taken over the place. We are investigating what happens”, Mr Dikko said.
13 thugs arrested
The spokesman, Kano police command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa in a statement Wednesday afternoon confirmed the arrest of thirteen thugs in connection with the alleged act of vandalism.
The statement which read in part said, “Today, 02/12/2021 at about 0800hrs, a report was received that, thugs (Yan Daba) carrying dangerous weapons were sighted attacking and vandalizing the office of Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District along Maiduguri Road Kano.
“On the receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, fsi raised and instructed teams of Operation Puff Adder to move to the scene, restore normalcy and arrest the culprits.
“The teams immediately swung in to action. Thirteen (13) suspected thugs (Yan Daba) were arrested and the following exhibits recovered from them. i. 34 Dangerous Weapons, ii. 23 Clubs (Gora), iii. 2 Gallons of Suspected PMS (Petrol), iv. 1 Parcel and 30 Pieces of Dried Leaves Suspected to be Indian Hemp, v. 24 Sachets of Diazapam Tablets, vi. 4 Pieces of Red Sun Solution, vii. 1 Mobile Phone, viii. 2 Ceiling Fans, ix. Bunch of Charms.
“Normalcy was immediately restored and situation under control. Investigation has commenced and suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
The statement quoted CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko emphasising that “criminals will have no hiding place in Kano State. They are advice to either repent or leave the State completely. Otherwise, they will be arrested and face the full wrath of Law.”
