Firdausi Muhammad, a bride-to-be, was tragically killed during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State. The incident occurred in the Rijiyar Lemo area, where she was reportedly struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a policeman. Firdausi was set to be married next week.
Other tragic losses were reported across different locations, including Kofar Nassarawa, Kurnar Asabe, and Rijiyar Lemo. Videos posted by local residents reveal the somber reality, showing the bodies of some victims.
Another victim, Abdulkadir Labaran Babah Alfindiki, was allegedly killed at Kofar Nassarawa. His mother, Aisha Isah Babah, expressed her sorrow, recounting how he left home for his business but never returned. She learned of his death only later and has placed her faith in God for justice, as Abdulkadir was an orphan and she feels powerless to seek retribution.
In a similar heartbreak, 15-year-old Kashifu Abdullahi Gyaranya was also killed during the protest. His mother, Maryam Sani, recounted how she had warned him not to join the protest. Despite his assurances, he never returned home, and she later received the devastating news of his death.
Umar Abubakar Hausawa was another casualty, also reportedly killed by a police stray bullet at Kofar Nassarawa. His brother, Rabiu Abubakar, shared that Umar had gone out to retrieve their younger brothers who had joined the protesters. Tragically, he met his untimely death during this attempt.
In response to these events, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, stated that the police were trying to maintain law and order in Rijiyar Lemo. According to Kiyawa, the youths, who were protesting in defiance of a state-imposed curfew, attempted to loot shops. The police tried to disperse the crowd, but the situation escalated as the youths turned violent, throwing stones at the officers.
Kiyawa noted that the law permits police to defend themselves and that additional personnel were deployed to restore order. He also mentioned that the police command had launched an investigation to uncover the full details of the incidents.
These tragic events have cast a shadow over the protest, leaving families grieving and communities in mourning as they seek justice and answers.
