Police Arrest Suspects in Connection with Kano Football Match Killings
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu. Northern Bureau Chief.
December 10, 2024
Kano, Nigeria — The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, has confirmed the arrest of several suspects following the tragic killing of two individuals during a violent clash after the football match between Kano Pillars and Katsina United at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.
The unrest erupted when over 100 violent youths, reportedly members of rival gangs, stormed the Zango, Kofar Mata, Yakasai, and Rimi communities. The clash quickly escalated, leaving two people dead and causing widespread panic. In the chaos, the hoodlums looted shops and residential houses, leaving residents and business owners counting their losses.
Speaking to the press on Monday night, Commissioner Garba expressed the police’s resolve to apprehend and prosecute those involved in the violence.
“As I speak to you, we are finalizing our report on the incident. Many arrests have already been made, and we are actively pursuing others involved in this heinous act. Our commitment is to ensure that justice is served swiftly,” he said.
The commissioner further assured the public of increased security in the affected areas, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities.
“We will not tolerate such lawlessness in Kano. I want to reassure the public that every individual involved in this incident will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
Eyewitnesses recounted the ordeal, describing how the hoodlums wielded dangerous weapons, looted valuables, and threatened lives. “They broke into shops and houses, taking everything they could lay their hands on. We had no choice but to run for our lives,” said one resident of Yakasai.
The affected communities are now recovering from the incident, with many residents lamenting the destruction and losses they suffered. Local leaders have called for increased community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The police have promised to maintain a strong presence in the area and appealed to the public to provide any information that could aid in the ongoing investigations.
