By Nworisa Michael
About a week ago, we saw how thugs carried out violent and disturbing activities around Farm Center GSM Market in Kano. Many people condemned it, including myself. We condemned it because we care about innocent citizens who may find themselves around such environments. We condemned it because we care about Kano State and the safety of our people.
It is unfortunate that the menace of Yan Daba in Kano has, over several decades, refused to completely disappear. However, the deliberate actions of the present administration appear to be confronting the problem more directly by arresting many of those involved and engaging repentant youths meaningfully through the Safe Corridor Programme introduced by the Kano State Government.
I have also followed with keen interest the reactions that trailed the recent unfortunate incident that reportedly led to loss of lives. I watched the live broadcast by the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, CSP Haruna Kiyawa, where he explained that preliminary findings pointed towards a clash between rival groups and that, as at the time of the briefing, no formal complaint had been officially filed by families claiming politically targeted killings.
This is important because in moments like this, emotions naturally rise. People become angry, worried, and suspicious. That is understandable. Human life is sacred, and every reported death deserves concern, sympathy, and proper investigation. But while emotions are valid, conclusions must still be guided by verified facts and official investigations, not only by viral videos and online narratives.
One thing Kano must remember is that the current government has repeatedly shown concern whenever lives are threatened, whether the incidents happened within Kano or outside the state involving Kano indigenes.
When Kano sons were brutally killed in Uromi, Edo State, the Kano State Government did not remain silent. It engaged relevant authorities, followed up on the matter, and stood with affected families in demanding justice and accountability.
When the Administrative Secretary of Kibiya Local Government was kidnapped, security agencies, working with intelligence support and collaboration from the state, responded swiftly and secured his rescue after a gun duel with the kidnappers.
When the horrifying family killing occurred in Dorayi, where innocent members of a household lost their lives, investigations were launched immediately and suspects were tracked through coordinated security efforts. To mention just a few of those within the public knowledge. These are not the actions of a government that is indifferent to human life.
It is also important to remember that state governments in Nigeria do not possess full constitutional control over security architecture. Yet despite those limitations, the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has consistently collaborated with security agencies and invested resources into reducing violence, criminality, and youth involvement in thuggery.
Just days ago, the Kano State Executive Council approved over six hundred million naira for the implementation of the Safe Corridor Programme targeting the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths. The programme reportedly profiled over 2,000 volunteer repentant youths in an effort to redirect their energy away from violence and criminality.
This does not mean Kano has completely defeated insecurity or Yan Daba culture. No serious person would make that claim. The problem remains real, painful, and dangerous.
But fairness also demands that people acknowledge genuine efforts being made to address it.
Correcting misinformation should not be mistaken for insensitivity. Asking for evidence should not be mistaken for denying tragedy. A government can demand accurate reporting while still valuing every human life affected by violence.
Organizations, activists, governments, and citizens all have responsibilities during sensitive situations like this. Human rights organizations must ensure balance and verification. Government officials must communicate with empathy and caution. Citizens must avoid spreading panic or conclusions without evidence. Security agencies must conduct transparent investigations and ensure justice where wrongdoing is established.
At the end of this all, Kano belongs to all of us. Violence does not ask about political party, tribe, religion, or social status before destroying lives. That is why all sides must rise above emotions, propaganda, and political scoring to focus on truth, justice, peace, and the protection of human life.
Kano must remember that the fight against insecurity is not won through accusations alone, but through responsible leadership, accurate information, cooperation with security agencies, and long-term investment in youth rehabilitation and social stability.
Nworisa Michael is the coordinator of Inter-tribe Community Support Forum and writes from nworisamichael1917@gmail.com