The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has attributed the attacks on public and private properties during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano to intelligence failures.
During an inspection of the vandalized properties, which included the Kano Printing Press, the NCC Digital Industrial Park, and Barakat Stores, the Emir emphasized the security shortcomings that enabled the destruction.
The properties were vandalized by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful protest on August 1, the first day of the demonstration, resulting in significant damage and looting.
“As we say, those who contributed to this are enemies of Kano and its people,” the Emir declared.
He asserted that the attacks were premeditated and that security agencies had been alerted in advance but failed to respond. The Emir lamented, “Before this occurred, security operatives were notified in writing that it would happen, but rather than prevent it, they stood by and let it unfold.”
The monarch condemned the actions of those responsible for the vandalism, expressing deep sorrow over the damage to the historic Kano Printing Press, established in 1938.
“My grandfather worked here. It is heartbreaking that a place like this has been destroyed by their grandchildren,” he said.
During the inspection, the Emir prayed for divine intervention and justice, stating, “Whoever has done good knows, and whoever has done bad knows, and they will all see the consequences. We pray that God grants the government the opportunity to restore what has been lost.
“We implore God to come to the aid of these youths, and those behind this will face His judgment. I swear to Almighty God, those intent on destroying Kano will not prevail.”
The state’s Commissioner of Science and Technology and ICT, Muhammad Tajo Othman, assured that the state government had received approval to restore the vandalized properties and replace the looted items.
He also expressed dismay that the NCC Centre, scheduled for commissioning this week, had been vandalized and partially set on fire.
