The Kano State Police Command said it has opened an investigation into a violent mob attack that erupted after three men were arrested in connection with a homicide case in Garko Local Government Area earlier this week.
According to the command, the unrest began on Sept. 5, a day after the police reported a suspected case of culpable homicide. Officers from Wudil Area Command detained three suspects and transferred them to the Garko Police Division for questioning.
But while investigators were interviewing the suspects, a crowd of angry residents armed with sticks and stones stormed the station, accusing the men of involvement in the killing.
“The crowd mobilized and violently attacked the Division, disrupting police activities with the intent to lynch the arrested suspects,” said SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement on behalf of the commissioner of police.
The assault escalated into chaos. Protesters set fire to a divisional patrol vehicle, destroyed three vehicles belonging to the Hisbah and the Garko Local Government Council, and shattered the windows of the police building. Three police officers were injured and taken to Wudil Hospital, where they are said to be responding to treatment.
In a tragic turn, a burning tyre reportedly exploded during the violence, fatally striking one of the attackers and injuring three others.
The commissioner of police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, ordered an immediate containment operation, which included engaging community stakeholders. The response, the command said, restored calm and public order in the area.
Nine suspects have so far been arrested over the mob action, and investigators are working to identify others who participated in the assault.
“The Command cautions the public against taking laws into their hands, as such actions undermine the rule of law and disrupt public peace,” Mr. Kiyawa said. “Citizens are reminded to channel grievances or concerns to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to violence.”
The police commissioner assured residents that the command remains “unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining peace, and ensuring justice in all cases.” He urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with the police, and avoid acts that could jeopardize safety.