RANO, KANO STATE – Tensions flared in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday evening as angry youths set part of the Rano Divisional Police Station ablaze, following the alleged brutal arrest and death of a local motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa.
The protest turned violent, with rioters torching two vehicles and vandalizing at least ten others. The police confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station sustained serious injuries during the attack and later died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
According to a statement by the Kano State Police Command, Musa was arrested after multiple public complaints of reckless motorcycle riding, allegedly under the influence of drugs. While in custody, he reportedly became weak and was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he died the following morning during treatment.
The announcement of Musa’s death triggered unrest. Hoodlums reportedly stormed the police station, looting and setting parts of it on fire.
In the aftermath, 27 suspects were arrested. Meanwhile, local sources alleged that police opened fire during the protest, injuring two youths, Kabiru Muhammad and Muhammad Ibrahim. Who are now receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.
One resident, speaking anonymously, said: “We were protesting peacefully. We just wanted to know what happened to Abdullahi Musa. Then the police started shooting.”
Another lamented: “Abdullahi wasn’t a criminal. He was arrested and ended up dead. We want justice.”
The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, has since visited Rano for an on-the-spot assessment and to restore calm.
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