The Divisional Officer of Rano Police State in Kano has died after he was attacked by a group of youths who were protesting the death of a motorcyclist in police custody.
The protesting youths reportedly set the Police station ablaze, destroying several vehicles, Kano State Police Command said in a statement on Monday.
According to the statement by Spokesperson of the Kano State Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the crisis began on Sunday evening when a motorcycle mechanic suspected to be drunk, identified as Abdullahi Musa, was arrested for alleged reckless and dangerous riding.
However, the statement said that Musa developed health complications while in custody and was rushed to Rano General Hospital where he passed away on 26th May 2025, at about 06:00 am, while receiving treatment.
However, a group of angry youths reportedly stormed the Rano Police Division, setting parts of the station ablaze and destroying several vehicles as the news of his death spread.
“The attackers looted and torched sections of the station, burnt two vehicles, destroyed ten others, and seriously injured the DPO,” Kiyawa added.
The DPO was immediately rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
Meanwhile Police said 27 suspected who were part of those who attacked and burnt part of the Rano Divisional Police station have been arrested.
Mr Ibrahim Bakori, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, confirmed the development.
“Yes, we have arrested 27 suspects in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Rano last night.
“I and the Chairman of Rano Local Government Area, Mallam Mohammed Naziru Ya’u, visited the Rano Divisional Police Headquarters to assess the damage after the unfortunate incident, an attack on the police station, which resulted in two deaths. We are already conducting intensive investigations.” he said.
He emphasized that the command would not tolerate any acts of lawlessness and would deal decisively with individuals or groups undermining peaceful coexistence.
Bakori pointed out that at the end of the investigation, all those arrested in connection with the crime would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Commissioner urged parents to closely monitor their children’s behavior, warning that the police would hesitate to arrest anyone threatening peaceful coexistence in the State .
@NAN