By Abdullahi Yusuf
A demolition exercise which occurred in Rimin Zakara village, Ungogo Local Government area of Kano State, turned deadly on Sunday night, leaving four people dead.
The incident occurred when government officials, accompanied by security agencies, arrived at the scene around 10 p.m. to demolish some buildings there.
According to an eyewitness, Ishaq Mohammad, the demolition team was met with stiff resistance from members of the community, leading to the deadly fracas.
The security operatives allegedly opened fire, killing two people instantly, while two others were rushed to the hospital and were later pronounced dead.
Mohammad,who is a landowner in the community, said over 40 houses were demolished during the operation.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kano Command, confirmed the incident, explaining that the security personnel were deployed to protect government property but were met with hostility.
He said that the residents attacked their personnel, injuring one officer and damaging their vehicles.
A source at the state Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, said the land in dispute belongs to the Bayero University Kano(BUK).
The source also hinted that the State Government would soon respond to the development.