The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has alleged that insecurity has worsened under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State, made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he accused the state government of failing to adequately protect lives and property across the state.
According to him, several local government areas, including Tsanyawa, Shanono and Gwarzo, have witnessed repeated attacks by criminals, resulting in deaths, abductions and the destruction of property.
“In Tsanyawa Local Government Area, dozens of people were killed and their properties looted. Similar incidents have occurred in Shanono Local Government Area and are currently happening in Gwarzo Local Government Area. Criminals have repeatedly attacked communities, carted away people’s belongings, killed some residents and abducted others. Some of those kidnapped have remained in captivity for more than six months,” he said.
The NDC governorship candidate further claimed that a number of residents had been killed in parts of Kano metropolis in recent weeks.
“Only God knows the number of people who have been killed in the last three weeks alone. There have been outright murders. Where is the peace? What happened to the promise that Kano would enjoy security if the state government aligned with the Federal Government?” he asked.
Gwarzo also referred to an incident that reportedly occurred on the day the deputy governor was sworn in, alleging that at least five people lost their lives.
“On the very day the deputy governor was sworn in, five people were killed. We saw their parents weeping in distress, and we saw the corpses with our own eyes. Some later reported that another victim died, bringing the death toll to six. Where is the security?” he queried.
The former deputy governor also criticised the state government’s “Kano First” initiative, arguing that it had failed to deliver the security improvements promised to residents.
He claimed that insecurity in the state had continued to escalate since the introduction of the policy.
“When you come to Kano and ask what the slogan means, they tell you that Shekarau, Ganduje and Abba have come together, and because they are all now working with the APC-led Federal Government, Kano will enjoy peace and security. But in reality, since the launch of Kano First, insecurity in the state has worsened,” he alleged.
Gwarzo maintained that Governor Yusuf had assured residents that the initiative would bring peace and stability, but argued that the promise had not been fulfilled.
He also drew comparisons with the “America First” policy popularised by former United States President Donald Trump, contending that such slogans do not necessarily translate into improved governance or security outcomes.
