The governorship candidate of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Kano State and former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has criticized Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over rising insecurity in the state, accusing the administration of failing to safeguard lives and property.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Gwarzo alleged that cases of killings, kidnappings and attacks by armed criminals have continued to increase across several local government areas in Kano State.
He claimed that communities in Tsanyawa, Shanono and Gwarzo local government areas have suffered repeated attacks, leading to deaths, destruction of property and abductions.
“In Tsanyawa, many people were killed and their belongings carted away. Similar attacks also happened in Shanono and Gwarzo. Armed bandits continue to invade communities, kill residents and abduct others, with some victims remaining in captivity for over six months,” he stated.
The NDC governorship candidate further alleged that insecurity has spread beyond rural communities, claiming that several people have also been killed in parts of Kano metropolis in recent weeks.
“Only God knows how many people have been killed within the last three weeks. People are being murdered openly. Where is the peace and security?” he asked.
Gwarzo also faulted the state government over the killing of several residents on the day the new deputy governor was sworn into office.
“Five people were killed on the same day the deputy governor took his oath of office. Another victim later died, increasing the death toll to six. So where is the security?” he queried.
He equally questioned the impact of the government’s ‘Kano First’ initiative, arguing that insecurity has continued to worsen despite the programme.
“When you arrive in Kano, you hear about ‘Kano First’ and unity among leaders, but since the initiative began, insecurity has only continued to deteriorate,” he added.
Gwarzo maintained that the current administration has failed to deliver on its promise of ensuring peace and security across the state.
The Kano State Government had not responded to the allegations as of the time this report was filed.
