The Kano State Government KNSG,has dismissed a report credited to Amnesty International alleging that five people were killed during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor of Kano, describing the claims as misleading, unfounded, and mischievous.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government said there was no practical evidence to support the allegation.
The statement explained that after consultations with security agencies and other relevant authorities, no official report was found confirming the alleged killing of five persons.
According to the government, the alleged clash among suspected thugs did not occur at the Government House or anywhere near the venue of the state function where Murtala Sule Garo was sworn in as Deputy Governor.
The government accused unnamed “anti-Kano elements and their collaborators” of fabricating the story to tarnish the image of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The statement further criticized Amnesty International for allegedly publishing the report without proper verification, claiming the organization relied mainly on social media videos and failed to contact security agencies or government officials before making its conclusions.
The Kano government also accused Amnesty International Nigeria of repeatedly taking positions on incidents involving Kano State without giving room for balanced engagement with relevant stakeholders.
While condemning what it described as unprofessional conduct and misinformation, the government called on the global leadership of Amnesty International to closely monitor the activities of its Nigerian branch in order to protect the credibility of the organization.
Highlighting efforts to combat thuggery and youth violence, the government said the “Safe Corridor Kano Model” programme initiated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has already profiled over 2,030 repentant youths for rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to the statement, the Kano State Executive Council has approved over N600 million for the first phase of the programme, targeting the rehabilitation and empowerment of 1,000 youths.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state through collaboration with security agencies and urged residents to continue supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace, security, and socio-economic development in Kano.