Kano govt makes clarifications on alleged killing of five persons during Garo swearing-in ceremony

The Kano State Government has rejected allegations credited to Amnesty International, claiming that five persons were killed during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government described the report as “misleading, unfounded and mischievous.”

According to the statement, the government said it was shocked by the claim and insisted that no such incident was officially reported by security agencies or government authorities.

“We want to categorically state that the report was not only misleading and unfounded but also mischievous, as it lacks authenticity and practical evidence to prove it,” the statement said.

The government maintained that investigations and consultations with security agencies failed to establish any evidence of the alleged killings.

It further stated that the purported clash involving suspected thugs did not occur within or around the Kano Government House and therefore should not be linked to the official state function.

“It is clear that the story was mischievously concocted to tarnish the image of the Kano State Government by some anti-Kano elements and their collaborators,” Waiya said.

The state government also criticised Amnesty International for allegedly publishing the report without proper verification, accusing the organisation of relying on social media video clips without contacting relevant authorities in Kano.

“It is unfortunate that a reputable organization such as Amnesty International would stoop so low to report such a story without verification,” the statement added.

The government accused the Nigerian leadership of Amnesty International of repeatedly taking positions on issues concerning Kano State without seeking balanced perspectives from relevant stakeholders.

While condemning what it described as “unprofessionalism, promotion of fake news and misinformation,” the government urged the global leadership of Amnesty International to monitor the activities of its Nigerian branch to protect the organisation’s integrity.

The statement also highlighted efforts by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to address youth violence and thuggery through the “Safe Corridor Kano Model” programme.

According to the commissioner, the initiative has already profiled 2,030 repentant youths for rehabilitation and reintegration, while the Kano State Executive Council approved over N600 million for the first phase of the programme targeting 1,000 beneficiaries.

“Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf shall continue to put its best to facilitate the empowerment and development of Kano youths,” the statement said.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through collaboration with security agencies and called on residents to continue supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the state.

Kano govt makes clarifications on alleged killing of five persons during Garo swearing-in ceremony