Families of victims killed during the violent political unrest that erupted on May 5, 2026, in Kano State have accused the Nigeria Police and the state government of abandoning their quest for justice, alleging that suspects linked to the killings have been released without investigation or prosecution.
The violence, which coincided with the swearing-in of the Kano State Deputy Governor, claimed at least five lives in what observers have described as one of the deadliest outbreaks of political thuggery in the state in recent years.
Relatives of the victims said they have repeatedly sought accountability but have been ignored by the authorities. According to them, several suspects arrested in connection with the killings were released on what they described as “orders from above,” despite being identified by families and witnesses as persons allegedly involved in the attacks.
The families alleged that in some cases, suspects traced and identified with their assistance were freed within 24 hours without any meaningful investigation or criminal prosecution.
They also criticized what they described as the Kano State Government’s inadequate response to their loss. One bereaved family said government representatives visited on May 9, 2026, with three cartons of spaghetti, two bags of rice and a gallon of vegetable oil, an intervention they described as insensitive in the face of the deaths of their loved ones.
Among those killed was 28-year-old Nura Usman of Dandago, who relatives said was attacked near Kano Medical Centre on Race Course Road. According to witnesses, Nura was among three people chased and killed by armed thugs despite not being involved in any confrontation. Videos of the attack circulated widely on social media, with the footage believed to contain evidence that could assist investigators in identifying those responsible.
The incident has renewed concerns over the rising influence of political thuggery in Kano, with critics warning that the activities of armed groups allegedly linked to politicians are undermining public safety and democratic participation.
The bereaved families are calling for an independent and thorough investigation into the killings, urging law enforcement authorities to prosecute not only those who carried out the attacks but also anyone found to have sponsored or directed the violence.
Political observers say the handling of the May 5 killings will serve as a critical test of the commitment of security agencies and the Kano State Government to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for victims of politically motivated violence.
