The Kano State Government has denied claims by Amnesty International that five people were killed during the inauguration of the new deputy governor, Murtala Sule Garo.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government described the allegation as ‘misleading, unfounded and mischievous,’ insisting no violence-related deaths occurred at the Government House or nearby areas during the swearing-in ceremony.
Waiya said security agencies had not received any official reports linking killings to the event.
The state government accused Amnesty International of relying on unverified social media videos and failing to consult relevant authorities before releasing the report.
It also alleged that the organisation had repeatedly published negative reports about Kano without adequate verification.
Waiya said the government remained committed to tackling political thuggery and youth violence through its ‘Safe Corridor’ Kano Model initiative, which has reportedly profiled more than 2,000 repentant youths for rehabilitation and empowerment.
He disclosed that over N600 million had been set aside for the first phase of the programme.
The denial follows reports and eyewitness accounts alleging that clashes involving suspected political thugs during the inauguration led to fatalities.
The controversy comes amid rising concerns over recurring political violence in Kano.
Last week, three people were reportedly killed in separate clashes involving rival thugs around Kano Medical Centre and State Road, while suspected hoodlums also attacked the Farm Centre GSM Market during a political rally, carting away valuables worth millions of naira.
The state government urged residents to support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.