Tension escalated in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State on Monday after angry residents stormed the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters and set it ablaze, following the death of a young man, Abdullahi Musa, in police custody.
Abdullahi, who was reportedly arrested for violating a traffic rule, died during interrogation. Residents accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), identified as Baba Ali, of beating him to death.
“He was not a criminal. He was picked up for a traffic matter. People are angry because he died while in the custody of those meant to protect him,” one of the informants said.
The news of his death spread quickly across the town, prompting youths to stage a protest at the police station. The peaceful protest turned violent after officers allegedly opened fire on the crowd. Two youths were reportedly shot and taken to a nearby hospital.
In retaliation, the crowd threw stones at the police and eventually overran the station, setting it on fire. The DPO was reportedly injured during the clash and had to be taken away from the scene.
“We saw them dragging the DPO away after he was injured. Things had already gotten out of control at that point,” another informant recounted.
Spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway.
The situation remains tense as residents demand justice for the death of Abdullahi Musa and call for accountability over the actions of the police.
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