The Kano State Government has dismissed allegations that five persons were killed during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor of the state, Murtala Sule Garo.
The government described the report, which was linked to Amnesty International, as false, misleading and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the state government was shocked by the allegations.
He maintained that no official report of killings was received from security agencies or any government institution after the event held in Kano.
According to him, consultations carried out with relevant security authorities did not establish evidence of any deaths connected to the swearing-in ceremony.
“We want to categorically state that the report was not only misleading and unfounded but also mischievous, as it lacks authenticity and practical evidence to prove it,” the statement said.
The government insisted that the alleged clash involving suspected hoodlums did not happen within or around the Government House venue where the official ceremony took place.
Waiya alleged that the report was deliberately designed to damage the image of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“It is clear that the story was mischievously concocted to tarnish the image of the Kano State Government by some anti-Kano elements and their collaborators,” he stated.
The commissioner also criticised Amnesty International for allegedly publishing the claim without proper verification from state authorities and security agencies.
According to the statement, the organisation relied heavily on social media videos and online reports without contacting the Kano State Government for clarification.
“It is unfortunate that a reputable organization such as Amnesty International would stoop so low to report such a story without verification,” the statement added.
The government further accused the Nigerian leadership of Amnesty International of repeatedly taking positions on issues relating to Kano without seeking balanced input from all concerned parties.
Waiya said the state government remained committed to tackling youth violence and thuggery through ongoing intervention programmes introduced by the current administration.
He referenced the “Safe Corridor Kano Model” initiative introduced by Governor Yusuf to rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant youths involved in criminal activities across the state.
According to him, about 2,030 youths have already been profiled under the programme, while the Kano State Executive Council approved over N600 million for the first phase targeting 1,000 beneficiaries.
“Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf shall continue to put its best to facilitate the empowerment and development of Kano youths,” the statement said.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through collaboration with security agencies.
