KANO, Nigeria — Tensions mounted on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the Salanta district of Kano metropolis as locals attempted to thwart a state-ordered demolition squad tasked with eradicating alleged illicit structures.
The government-led operation, which began on June 3, 2023, has so far flattened properties worth an estimated N126 billion and displaced thousands of citizens.
Prominent structures razed include a three-storey plaza home to over 90 shops in Nasarawa GRA, valued at over N100 billion, and the near-completion 90-room Five-Star Daula Boutique Hotel, worth over N10 billion.
In a grim turn of events, the government confirmed on Saturday, June 17, 2023, the demise of two individuals identified as scavengers amid the rubble.
While expressing condolences, the administration sternly warned others of the hazards of scavenging in the sites of the razed structures, dubbing the act not only illegal but perilous to human safety.
Governor Abba Yusuf initiated this contentious initiative six days into his tenure, attributing his move to the malpractice of his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who he alleges illicitly granted public land to private owners.
Ganduje has dismissed the accusations, citing that many of the structures had been approved under a Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement during his administration.
Last night, an unexpected backlash ensued when the residents of Salanta Quarters physically resisted the demolition of their homes, arguing that they had lawfully purchased the lands from Ganduje’s administration without prior notice or compensation.
One resident, visibly injured amid the conflict, was captured on video pleading for assistance over the phone.
Another decried, “You cannot demolish our properties overnight without prior notification… They have voted calamity for us.” Echoing his sentiments, others vowed to protect their properties, chanting “Allahu Akbar!” (God is the greatest).
Lamash Properties Limited, developer of the old Daula Hotel land, has sought legal recourse demanding N10 billion in compensation from the state government.
Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, the Director of Sales for Lamash, stated that the demolition “flagrantly disregards globally acceptable principles of fair hearing.”
Abubakar noted that Lamash had been invited by the Ganduje administration in 2020 to bid on the redevelopment of the old Daula Hotel under a PPP.
He stated, “To our utmost surprise… officials of the state government… were tearing down all the buildings on the land including the already completed 90-room 5-star Daula Boutique Hotel…”
However, the destruction of the Golden Monument, a N160 million project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kano State’s creation, has triggered widespread criticism.
Hajiya Kaltume Gana, the monument’s designer, lamented, “we must all condemn this thoughtless decision.”
Journalist Jaafar Jaafar echoed Gana’s sentiments, highlighting the monument’s cultural importance, “We must all condemn this thoughtless decision to demolish this monument…”
Accusations of a political vendetta against former Governor Ganduje are increasing as the demolition continues, and critics like journalist Adams Jerry accuse Governor Yusuf of harming the people of Kano in his pursuit.
As Governor Yusuf’s demolition campaign persists, a growing number of affected citizens are seeking legal redress.
But for many, social media has become their platform for expressing their outrage and despair, shining an international spotlight on this escalating crisis.
