Police arrest key suspect in Kano escalating youth clashes

The Kano State Police Command has arrested the primary suspect responsible for the surge in violent Daba clashes between youths from Kofar Mata and Zango areas.

The spokesperson for the Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Thursday.

“On December 24, 2024, at approximately 8:40 pm, a team of policemen deployed at Kofar Mata/Zango junction near Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital, Kano, arrested one Kabiru Jamilu, 21 years old, a resident of Zango Quarters, Kano,” Haruna disclosed.

According to the police, Jamilu was identified as the mastermind behind the escalating tensions and street fights between rival youth groups in the area.

During preliminary investigations, Jamilu reportedly confessed to “spearheading the fighting,” which led to the arrest of another suspect, Umar Garba, 32, also from Zango Quarters, who was found in possession of a sharp, long knife.

Both suspects have been transferred to the Command’s Criminal Investigations Department for further interrogation and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

In response to the escalating violence, the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, appealed to local residents to support the police in restoring peace.

“I urge residents of Kofar Mata and Zango Quarters to cooperate with the police by providing valuable information to completely address the situation,” Garba said.

The Command also encouraged the public to report emergencies promptly by contacting the nearest police station or using the emergency hotlines: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

Residents were further advised to utilise the NPF Rescue Me app, available on the Play Store, for immediate assistance.

PUNCH Online reported that the state government, on Monday, reiterated its commitment to finding a lasting solution to thuggery just as it announced that it has uncovered the root cause of recent violence that disturbed the peace in the state.