According to the alliance, the human cost continues to rise, with civilians, women, and security personnel among the victims.
Civil society groups in Kano have raised fresh concerns over rising political violence, citing multiple killings across the state and calling for an immediate halt to large political gatherings ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics said recent incidents point to a dangerous trend driven by political thuggery, locally known as Yan Daba, with deaths now at the centre of growing insecurity.
“Approximately 10 people were killed during clashes around State Road in May 2026 alone,” the group said. “On May 5, political thugs killed five more people, marking a fresh wave of violence that must not be ignored.”
The coalition also recalled earlier incidents, including clashes in August 2024 that left at least eight people dead across Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, and Unguwa Uku. It added that several other attacks in Hotoro, Koki, Abattoir, and Rimin Kebe recorded multiple deaths, although many cases remain undocumented.
“A police officer was also killed in Hotoro Division during clashes between rival groups in May 2026, weeks before his retirement,” the statement noted.
The group warned that the pattern of killings shows a sustained cycle of violence linked to political activities.
“Clashes between rival gangs have become frequent, with armed thugs chasing and killing victims while chanting party slogans,” the coalition said. “There are numerous unreported and underreported deaths tied to this crisis.”
According to the alliance, the human cost continues to rise, with civilians, women, and security personnel among the victims.
“The loss of innocent lives is unacceptable. No political ambition is worth the blood of any Kano indigene,” the group stated.
The coalition also linked the violence to broader social and economic damage.
“Thugs destroy shops, loot markets, and terrorize communities. Law and order has broken down in many areas, with citizens living in fear,” it said.
Despite acknowledging efforts by the Kano State Government, including past amnesty programmes for over 1,300 repentant thugs, the group said the measures have failed to stop the killings.
“We commend the government’s vision, but more must be done. The violence persists,” it added.
The alliance demanded urgent action, including the suspension of all political rallies in the state.
“We call for the immediate cessation of political gatherings until a proper security framework is in place,” the group said.
It also called for an independent investigation into all reported killings, stronger policing in hotspots, and targeted programmes to address youth unemployment.
“Political actors across party lines must end the funding and use of thugs,” the statement said. “This is the root of the crisis.”
As an alternative, the group urged politicians to adopt safer campaign methods.
“Engagement should shift to small town halls, media platforms, and digital outreach to reduce crowd-related violence,” it said.
The coalition appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the international community to intervene.
“Whatever affects Kano affects the wider region and the country,” it said. “Peaceful politics is the only path to credible elections.”
channel news
