Several people were injured in Kano on Saturday as violence occurred
between supporters of the current administration of Governor Abdullahi
Ganduje and those of his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Two of those who sustained injuries and were reportedly hospitalised
include a former Secretary to the State Government under Mr. Kwankwaso,
Rabiu Bichi, and the ex-governor’s younger brother, named Sani.
Narrating her version of what led to the violence, Binta Sipikin, a
spokesperson to Mr. Kwankwaso, said the former governor’s supporters went
to the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, just before the
commencement of a traditional celebration, Hawan Daushe.
Ms. Sipikin alleged that on arriving at the palace, police officers there
pushed them back using tear gas canisters and other devices, forcing the
supporters to scamper for safety.
“But as that ensuing melee grew, we just saw people hitting us with
cutlasses, heavy sticks and other dangerous weapons,” she said. “Then I
fell down and my eyeglasses broke.”
She added that while her children were trying to drag her up, she “saw
Rabiu Bichi the former SSG standing on me before somebody from his behind
hit him with cutlass and another moved forward to stab; him but
Kwankwaso’s younger brother used his hands to block and they nearly cut
his hands.”
Ms. Sipikin accused Governor Ganduje of being behind the attack. She said
it was Mr. Ganduje who mobilised the police and the thugs. The governor,
however, denied the allegation.