Insecurity: ‘People Are Being Killed Openly’ – Kano NDC Candidate Tackles Gov Yusuf

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State and former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of failing to protect lives and property in the state.

Gwarzo alleged that insecurity had worsened under the present administration, claiming that killings, kidnappings and attacks by armed criminals had continued in several parts of Kano State.

The former deputy governor made the allegations during an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

According to Gwarzo, communities in Tsanyawa, Shanono and Gwarzo local government areas have repeatedly come under attacks by armed bandits.

He said the attacks had led to loss of lives, destruction of property and abductions of residents.

“In Tsanyawa, several people were killed and their properties taken away. Similar incidents occurred in Shanono and Gwarzo. Armed bandits continue to launch attacks, kill residents and kidnap others, some of whom have remained in captivity for more than six months,” Gwarzo said.

The NDC candidate said the situation had created fear among residents, especially in communities that had suffered repeated attacks.

Gwarzo further alleged that violent crimes were no longer restricted to rural communities, claiming that killings had also been recorded in urban parts of Kano in recent weeks.

He questioned the state government’s handling of the security situation, saying residents deserved better protection.

“Only God knows the number of people who have been killed in the last three weeks. People are being murdered openly. Where is the peace and security?” he queried.

He maintained that the administration had failed to fulfil its responsibility of protecting citizens and ensuring public safety across the state.

The former deputy governor also criticised the state government over the killing of several people on the day the new deputy governor was sworn into office.

According to him, the incident showed the level of insecurity in the state and raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security arrangements.

“On the day the deputy governor took the oath of office, five people were killed. Another victim died later, bringing the number to six. Where is the security?” he asked.

Gwarzo said such incidents should worry every responsible government, especially when they occur during major official events.

The NDC candidate also questioned the impact of the state government’s ‘Kano First’ initiative, arguing that it had not produced the security improvements promised by the administration.

He said that although the programme was presented as a platform for unity among leaders, insecurity had continued to worsen since its introduction.

“When you come to Kano, you hear that ‘Kano First’ is about unity among leaders, but since it was introduced, insecurity has continued to deteriorate,” he said.

Gwarzo insisted that any government initiative that does not translate into the safety of residents cannot be described as successful.

The former deputy governor urged the state government to take urgent steps to address the killings, kidnappings and attacks affecting communities across the state.

He maintained that peace and security should remain the first responsibility of any administration.

Naija News reports that the Kano State Government had yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.