The Leadership of the Northern Youth, has criticized Amnesty International over its recent report on the alleged killing of five people in Kano, accusing the organization of bias, selective outrage, and deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of Kano State.
It is clear that, the statement of Amnesty International is reckless, unbalanced, and politically coloured, looking at how the organization has rushed to label the incident as politically motivated without carrying out a fair and comprehensive investigation.
The more disturbing on the report of the Amnesty International, is how it has consistently concentrated its attention on Kano while allegedly paying little attention to insecurity and violent incidents occurring in several other states across the country.
Many communities in different parts of Nigeria have continued to experience serious security challenges leading to loss of lives and displacement of innocent citizens, yet such incidents do not always receive the same level of international attention and condemnation, directed at Kano State
The clash that occurred on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, was a confrontation between rival groups of thugs with a long history of violent rivalry, insisting that there was no evidence linking the Kano State Government or any political actor to the incident.
We categorically fault the Amnesty International for allegedly relying on viral videos and unverified claims to make sweeping accusations against the APC stakeholders in the State, or government officials, warning that such narratives could inflame tension and mislead the international community.
“It is unfortunate that Amnesty International has chosen to politicize a criminal routine clash among hoodlums in order to create a false impression against Kano State and its leadership
We clearly accuse the organization of operating double standards by amplifying incidents in Kano while allegedly paying little attention to other parts of the country where similar security concerns are reported.
The Northern Youth Assembly shall continue to maintain the branding of the incident as political thuggery, without concrete evidence, as the claim of the Amnesty International should best be described as irresponsible and deliberate action capable of damaging the reputation of innocent individuals and institutions.
We call on Amnesty International to stop what we term as selective activism and sensational reporting, urging the organization to embrace fairness, professionalism, and objectivity in addressing issues affecting Nigeria.
The people of Kano would not remain silent while external organizations continue to portray the state in a negative light through what could be best described as unfounded and exaggerated allegations.
Signed:
Dr. Mohammed Ali Idris
President,
Northern Youth Assembly (NYA)
Dr. Hafix Garba
Secretary General,
Northern Youth Assembly