Residents of Kawo in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State have expressed growing concern over renewed clashes involving suspected gangs popularly known as Yan Daba, as violence in the area entered its third consecutive day.
The unrest, which residents say has disrupted commercial activities and heightened insecurity, is being viewed as part of a broader resurgence of gang related violence across parts of Kano State.
A resident identified as Muhammad said the recurring clashes have negatively affected businesses, with many traders worried about the safety of their goods and livelihoods.
“They have not started entering houses yet, but they scare away traders and loot them, from what I have heard,” he said.
Residents traced the latest crisis to a dispute that reportedly began about three weeks ago among commercial tricycle operators from different sections of the Kawo community.
A resident, Maman Mama, explained that the violence started when a group of tricycle riders allegedly blocked a major road in the area.
“It began three weeks ago. NAPEP riders from Kawon Lambu, who are heavy smokers of Indian hemp, barricaded Kawo Road around 6:50 a.m., preventing riders from Kawon Majalissa from passing through,” she said.
She further alleged that the group displayed dangerous weapons and threatened road users attempting to pass through the area.
“A Keke rider from Majalissa was injured and his tricycle was damaged. Police were alerted and arrived after 9 a.m. Since then, riders from Kawon Majalissa have been coming to Kawon Lambu to retaliate,” she added.
Another resident, popularly known as Barrister, said the incident caused severe traffic congestion and panic among motorists and pedestrians.
“They only caused a hold up. The road was filled with motorists and passers by, creating fear among people,” he said, noting that the attackers did not specifically target other road users.
A female resident who requested anonymity described the situation as deeply troubling.
“You have not seen anything in this area. May God help us raise our children well,” she said.
Meanwhile, social commentator and activist, Comrade Sagiru Usman Yarima, expressed concern over the growing level of drug abuse among young people, which he linked to the resurgence of gang violence in the state.
Yarima, who chairs the Centre for Thuggery and Violence Awareness in Kano, condemned the increasing involvement of youths in violent activities and warned that political interests were fueling insecurity in several communities.
According to him, “Ninety percent of thuggery has returned to Kano, especially because of the upcoming elections. It has been growing since 2015.
“Let’s take areas like Ƙulƙul, Dala, Hotoro, Kurna, Abbatore and Fagge Local Government Area, for example; these are hotspots.
“The painful thing is that some of the thugs have started using traditional guns called Baushe.”
He called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders and residents to take decisive action against criminality and youth violence, while urging voters to reject politicians who sponsor or encourage such activities.
The Kano State Police Command had earlier assured residents that security agencies were closely monitoring the situation and intensifying efforts to restore peace in affected communities.
According to the command, many of the recent clashes involve rival groups operating within the same localities, and measures are being implemented to prevent further violence.
The assurance comes weeks after the command unveiled a new operational office for the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit.
Speaking during the launch, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said:
“The VCRU is not a unit for every officer. We have carefully vetted, selected and deployed trained, professional, committed, dedicated and result oriented police officers to form this unit.
“Each officer has undergone rigorous screening and mandatory training in tactical response, human rights, professional conduct and intelligence handling, in line with global best practices. Discipline, integrity and respect for human rights will remain the guiding principles of every VCRU operation.”
Despite the security measures introduced by authorities, residents say fear remains widespread, with concerns growing as the clashes continue.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties resulting from the violence had not been officially confirmed.
