Demolition: 2 scavengers die, 3 injured in Kano

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano

Debris of demolished buildings at Daula hotel and the Eid playing ground in Kano collapsed on Thursday, killing two persons who were scavenging for materials from the site, while three others were injured.

The Director General Kano Urban Development Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Yakubu, confirmed the death of the two scavengers from the collapse of the debris of the demolished building.

According to him, three people sustained various degrees of injuries, while scavenging for valuable items at the sites of the demolished buildings.

The building was one of those demolished by new Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The Governor has embarked on demolition of buildings built by his predecessor, which he considered “illegal.”

But Alhaji Yakubu said the Governor cannot be blamed by for the death of the dead and the injured persons.

He wondered why people should be scavenging on demolished buildings.

According to him, the state government has been carrying out demolitions of the building in the night to avoid human casualties.

He said over 1,000 illegal shops built at Eid prayer ground have been demolished.

“Two people who were scavengers have lost their lives , while no fewer that three people sustained injuries while removing items, like rod,pipe iron and other valuables from the already demolished structures,” he said.

He said Governor Yusuf has called on Nigeria police to draft their men and officers to all the demolition sites and stop hoodlums from looting property.

However, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel visited the scene of the incident on Thursday.

The police boss cautioned youths, especially, scavengers roaming around demolished structures, trespassing and looting properties to stop forthwith, as it is not only criminal but a threat to life.

According to him, “it could be recalled that on the 8th and 9th of June 2023, one hundred and six (106) suspected scavengers were arrested for criminal offences of trespass, mischief and theft and all been charged to Magistrate Court 35 Nomans Land Kano.

“It is heart-warming that despite several warnings by the Police Command to these scavengers, they refused to steer clear and avoid movement around these sites.

“Unfortunately, today, 15th June, 2023, at about 2:30 p.m, there were reports that remnants of the demolished buildings collapsed and trapped some scavengers at Daula Hotel and Eid Praying Ground. ”

He commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished those injured speedy recovery, calling on parents and community leaders to warn their wards to avoid these sites .

He further reiterated that, “security is everybody’s business and all hands need to be on deck to ensure the protection of lives and properties.”