Ahmad Tijjani Abdul, Kano
The police in Kano on Wednesday said no fewer than 59 suspects were arrested over their role in violence that rocked the ancient city of Kano penultimate week.
Addressing newsmen at their Bompai headquarters, Commissioner of Police, Habu A. Sani disclosed that 31 suspects out of 59 were picked for looting, vandalism and malicious damage to properties, and (28) other suspects arrested for other crimes within EndSars Protest period are under investigation.
Explaining further on the violence that shook the fragile peace in the cosmopolitan city, Habu A Sani said “On the 19/10/2020 at about 0715hrs, uncoordinated groups of protesters mobilized at Sabon Gari Quarters Kano under the cover of “EndSars Protest” and carried out procession from Sarkin Yaki Area of Sabon Gari to France Road up to Kwakwaci and Airport Road where some of protesters trespassed into a political party office, removed the flags and pelted stones.
He said “Similarly, on 20/10/2020 at about 0650hrs, the so called #EndSars groups defied all consultations/advice of critical community/security stakeholders, remobilized and embarked on another protest/procession where the whole situation was hijacked by hoodlums and clashes erupted and resultant into destruction and looting. Some attacked innocent people, burnt and vandalized properties.
According to the local police boss, “the swift and timely deployments of security personnel by him to restore normalcy in the area and arrest the perpetrators of these heinous acts curtailed the outcome of the protest.
As part of confidence building measures, he said the police immediately engaged critical Community Policing stakeholders such as; Traditional Rulers, Community and Religious Leaders, Youths Groups, Civil Society Organizations, the Media, etc, on the need to preach and sensitize members of the public on peace and peaceful coexistence, and also assured them of the command’s commitment for the safety and security of the State.
Habu A Sani revealed that looted Properties recovered include twenty five (25) gas cylinders & two (2) fire extinguishers, four (4) washing machines, eleven (11) refrigerators, six (6) generator sets, two (2) grinding machines, five (5) motorcycles including one burnt.
Other items recovered include, five (5) empty 10.2kg Drums, dix (6) plastic drums, five (5) television sets, two (2) Luminous 220 inverter batteries, one (1) sack containing drugs & injection, nine (9) new wrappers, one (1) New Head Gear, Ten (10) Boxes containing clothes.
Forty Four (44) Brand New Motor Cycle Tires, One (1) Sack Containing Motorcycle Tubes, One (1) Cushion Chair, Ten (10) Ceiling and Standing Fans.
Also on the recovered items are ,Four (4) Air Conditioners, Twelve (12) Mattresses, Nineteen (19) Empty Plastic Crates, Nine (9) Pots of Different Sizes, Three (3) Alternators, One (1) Electric Kettle, Two (2) Washing Hand Sips, Two (2) Big Gas Cookers, One (1) bag containing old clothes, One (1) Counting Machine, Eight (8) Stabilizers, Four (4) 25 Liters Jerry cans containing Palm Oils.
Also Six (6) Sewing Machine Bodies,One (1) Frying Machine, Seven (7) Eating Tables, Two (2) Big Coolers, Three (3) Dustbins of Different Sizes
Large number of Broken Burglaries, Two (2) Iron Shelves, Some Quantities of Toilet Roles
One (1) Sack Containing Nylon Sacks, Fifteen (15) Chairs, One (1) Large Iron Cage, Two (2) Blenders, Two (2) DVD Players, and One (1) Glass Stool were recovered from the hoodlums.
He assured that the police would continue to remain committed and determined in ensuring security and safety of good people of Kano State.