Angry youths in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State set part of the Rano Divisional Police Station on fire after accusing officers of brutalizing a local motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa.
The mob also torched several vehicles and vandalized others during the violent protest.
The Kano State Police Command confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) died from injuries sustained during the attack. The police said the incident occurred on Sunday evening.
According to the police, officers arrested Abdullahi Musa on Sunday following multiple complaints that he rode his motorcycle recklessly, allegedly under the influence of drugs. While in custody, Musa reportedly fell weak. Officers rushed him to Rano General Hospital, where he died the next morning while receiving treatment.
News of Musa’s death sparked outrage. Hoodlums stormed the police division, looted the station, and set parts of it and two vehicles ablaze. They also damaged 10 other vehicles.
During the chaos, attackers inflicted serious injuries on the DPO. Authorities rushed him to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where he later died.
Police arrested 27 suspects in connection with the violence.
Eyewitnesses claimed the situation escalated when police opened fire on peaceful protesters, injuring two young men—Kabiru Muhammad and Muhammad Ibrahim—who are currently receiving treatment at Rano General Hospital.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, said, “We were protesting peacefully and demanded answers about Abdullahi Musa. But the police started shooting, and two young men were hit.”
Another community member added, “It’s a sad day for us. Abdullahi Musa was not a criminal. He was arrested and now he is dead. We want justice.”
Police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the unrest and assured the public that the command would conduct a thorough investigation.
“Regarding the incident in Rano, we will carry out a thorough investigation, by the Grace of God,” Haruna said.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori visited the scene to assess the situation and work toward restoring normalcy.
