THE immediate past governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, today consoled the relatives of those who died as a result of collapsing debris from demolished structures at Daula hotel and Eid ground.
Two scavengers died yesterday, while three others were injured in varying degrees as the wreckage of the buildings trapped them while scavenging for their daily bread.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has allegedly been deliberately demolishing Ganduje-approved constructions across Kano for the past two weeks, citing them as “illegal.”
A Statement signed by the immediate-past Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba reads: “Former governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has commiserated with families of the victims of the half way demolished Daula Hotel building collapse in the state.
“The former Governor stated that the incident and the attendant death and injuries are regrettable and a huge loss to the state.
“He pray that Allah gives the family of the dead victim the fortitude to bear the loss and quick recovery for the injured.
“The former Governor said the victims were said to be scavengers scouting for irons or metals from the debris of the building demolished half away by the state government in a destruction spree of landed properties it embarked upon since assumption of office on May 29.
“Ganduje expressed regrets over theft of properties by looters from several demolished buildings in different parts of the state capital.”
The statement also commiserated with properties owners, ” who legally acquired and developed for business and other purposes but were destroyed by the New Nigeria People’s Party government in the state without any form of investigation.”
It explained that the former Governor was of the view that, “since some of the owners have gone to the court to seek legal redress, he remain confident that justice would be served.”
The Director General Kano Urban Development Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Yakubu, confirmed that two scavengers lost their lives as the debris of the demolished buildings collapsed.
He said Governor Yusuf has called on Nigeria police to draft their men and officers to all the demolition sites and stop hoodlums from looting property.
However, the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel visited the scene of the incident on Thursday.
The police boss cautioned youths, especially, scavengers roaming around demolished structures, trespassing and looting properties to stop forthwith, as it is not only criminal but a threat to life.
According to him, “it could be recalled that on the 8th and 9th of June 2023, one hundred and six (106) suspected scavengers were arrested for criminal offences of trespass, mischief and theft and all been charged to Magistrate Court 35 Nomans Land Kano.
“It is heart-warming that despite several warnings by the Police Command to these scavengers, they refused to steer clear and avoid movement around these sites.
“Unfortunately, today, 15th June, 2023, at about 2:30 p.m, there were reports that remnants of the demolished buildings collapsed and trapped some scavengers at Daula Hotel and Eid Praying Ground. “
He commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished those injured speedy recovery, calling on parents and community leaders to warn their wards to avoid these sites .
He further reiterated that, “security is everybody’s business and all hands need to be on deck to ensure the protection of lives and properties.”
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