Ganduje, APC national chairman hired thugs in collaboration with Police to disrupt peaceful hunger protest in Kano— Sowore

In a viral video on Friday, the governor on the premises of the Kano State printing press which was vandalised on Thursday, said, “Yesterday, protesters gathered at the government house as promised, and security operatives welcomed them without any issues. They were waiting for the governor to address them when suddenly, buses carrying thugs arrived, and violence erupted.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has accused the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring the thugs and hoodlums who hijacked the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.

In a viral video on Friday, the governor on the premises of the Kano State printing press which was vandalised on Thursday, said, “Yesterday, protesters gathered at the government house as promised, and security operatives welcomed them without any issues. They were waiting for the governor to address them when suddenly, buses carrying thugs arrived, and violence erupted.

“The attackers started looting government properties, attacking homes with machetes, and targeting private businesses to steal their belongings.

“The protesters, in large numbers, invaded the ICT park, broke into offices, and made off with state-of-the-art equipment worth billions of Naira. Some of the looted items included computers, air conditioners, chairs, tables, solar batteries, and panels.

“The ICT park was scheduled to be inaugurated next week by the governor and the minister.

“They also attacked the Sharia court, looting and destroying everything inside. At the Kano State government printing press, they stole the engine bought by the former governor, Audu Bako. They vandalised the facility, removed the roofing sheets, and set it on fire.

“The attackers went to local stores, looting essential items such as groundnut oil. We appreciate the courage of the security operatives, who overpowered the attackers and recovered some of the stolen items.”

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the governor expressed regret that certain individuals, referred to as ‘enemies of the state’, had allegedly hired thugs from within and neighbouring states to infiltrate and disrupt the planned peaceful protest, resulting in chaos and unrest in a state previously known for its tranquility.

“We are aware that unpatriotic politicians from the opposition party have sponsored thugs, who are on rampage, looting and destroying properties of innocent citizens,” he said.

At least two fatalities were reported in Kano State amid the #EndBadGovernance protests, which swept across the country, including Kano.

Widespread looting and chaos ensued, prompting the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew to restore order.