THE Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six suspects following a violent clash involving rival thugs that later escalated into an attack on the popular Farm Centre GSM market in Kano.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident, which occurred in broad daylight on Monday, saw hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons storm the market, carting away valuables belonging to traders, customers, and passersby. The attackers were reportedly participants in a political rally held near the market.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the command acted swiftly after receiving intelligence on the planned disturbance.
According to him, the crisis began after a distress call alerted security operatives that suspected thugs had mobilised for a violent confrontation in Gyadi-Gyadi, a neighbourhood located close to the market.
“Patrol teams were immediately deployed and met a violent clash in progress. An ambulance was vandalised during the disturbance, while the thugs also attempted to attack other places,” Kiyawa stated.
He further explained that the hoodlums later regrouped and launched attacks on security personnel using dangerous weapons and stones, but were successfully repelled by the police.
“The hoodlums regrouped and attacked officers with dangerous weapons and stones, but the assault was repelled. The suspects then fled towards Farm Centre Market, where they tried to break into shops and loot property,” he added.
Kiyawa noted that reinforcement teams were quickly deployed to the area, leading to the dispersal of the attackers and the arrest of six suspects, while normalcy was restored in the affected locations.
“Reinforcement was quickly mobilised, dispersing the attackers and leading to the arrest of six suspects. Calm was restored to the affected areas,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers attached to the Farm Centre Division and the reinforcement teams for their prompt and coordinated response, which he said prevented a further breakdown of law and order.
The police command warned that it would not tolerate acts of thuggery or any form of disturbance to public peace, urging parents and guardians to caution their wards against engaging in criminal activities.
It also disclosed that investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and uncover those behind the incident, including possible sponsors of the clash.
Residents were, however, encouraged to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information to the police to help protect lives and property across the state.