Fear Grips Kano Community as Suspected Yan Daba Clashes Persist for Third Day

Residents of Kawo in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State are living in fear following renewed clashes involving suspected members of rival gangs, popularly known as Yan Daba, with violence in the area entering its third consecutive day on Tuesday.

The unrest has disrupted commercial activities, heightened security concerns, and left many residents worried about a possible return of the gang-related violence that once plagued parts of Kano metropolis.

Locals told reporters that the clashes have affected businesses in the area, forcing some traders to close their shops early while others remain apprehensive about the safety of their property and livelihoods.

One resident, Muhammad, said the situation has created panic among traders and commuters, although the gangs have not reportedly extended their attacks to residential homes.

“They have not started invading houses, but they intimidate traders and allegedly dispossess some of them of their belongings. People are becoming increasingly worried,” he said.

How the Violence Began

Residents traced the latest wave of violence to a dispute involving commercial tricycle operators, commonly known as Keke riders, from different sections of the Kawo community.

According to a resident identified as Maman Mama, the conflict began about three weeks ago when a group of tricycle operators allegedly blocked a major road linking parts of the community.

She claimed that riders from Kawon Lambu barricaded Kawo Road in the early hours of the morning, preventing operators from Kawon Majalissa from using the route.

According to her, tensions escalated after some riders allegedly displayed dangerous weapons and threatened anyone attempting to pass through the road.

The situation reportedly turned violent when a tricycle rider from Kawon Majalissa was attacked and his vehicle damaged.

“Police officers were informed and later arrived at the scene. Since that incident, there have been repeated retaliatory attacks between the groups,” she explained.

Another resident popularly known as Barrister said the initial confrontation caused severe traffic congestion and widespread panic among motorists and pedestrians.

He noted that while the attackers did not specifically target innocent road users, their actions created a tense atmosphere and disrupted movement within the area.

A female resident who spoke anonymously expressed concern about the growing insecurity, lamenting the impact such violence could have on young people in the community.

She called on authorities to take decisive steps to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

Activist Raises Alarm Over Drug Abuse

Reacting to the development, social commentator and activist, Comrade Sagiru Usman Yarima, blamed the resurgence of thuggery and gang violence on the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths.

Yarima, who serves as chairman of the Centre for Thuggery and Violence Awareness in Kano, said gang-related activities have been gradually resurfacing across several communities in the state.

He alleged that political interests and the approach of future elections have contributed to the growing influence of violent groups.

According to him, several areas across Kano, including Kulkul, Dala, Hotoro, Kurna, Abbatore, and parts of Fagge Local Government Area, have become hotspots for gang activities.

The activist also expressed concern over reports that some gang members have begun using locally made firearms known as “Baushe,” warning that such developments could worsen the security situation if not urgently addressed.

Yarima urged political leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to work together to discourage youth involvement in violence and criminal activities.

He also called on voters to reject politicians who recruit young people for violent purposes during political campaigns and elections.

Police Assure Residents of Action

The Kano State Police Command has acknowledged the recent disturbances and assured residents that efforts are underway to contain the situation.

Police authorities stated that many of the clashes involve rival groups operating within the same communities and pledged to continue monitoring developments closely.

The command said security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order while measures are being implemented to prevent further escalation.

The renewed clashes come just weeks after the police launched a new operational office for the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a specialized team established to combat violent crimes and gang-related activities across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, had explained during the inauguration that the unit consists of carefully selected and specially trained officers equipped to respond to serious security threats.

According to him, members of the VCRU underwent extensive training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, professional conduct, and human rights compliance in line with international best practices.

Residents Remain on Edge

Despite assurances from security agencies and the establishment of specialized response units, many residents say they continue to live in fear as the violence persists.

Community members are calling for sustained security operations and proactive measures to address the root causes of gang violence, including drug abuse, youth unemployment, and political exploitation.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released any official casualty figures from the clashes, while residents remain hopeful that lasting peace will soon return to the troubled community.