Tragedy struck in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday evening after a violent mob attack on the Rano Police Division led to the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and extensive damage to property.
The unrest began after the arrest of a local motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa, who was accused of reckless and dangerous riding.
According to the Kano State Police Command, Musa was believed to be under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of his arrest.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed in a statement that the suspect developed health complications while in custody and was rushed to Rano General Hospital.
“He unfortunately passed away on 26th May 2025, at about 06:00 am, while receiving treatment,” Kiyawa disclosed.
News of Musa’s death triggered a violent reaction from some youths in the area who launched a retaliatory attack on the police station. They reportedly looted sections of the facility, set part of the station ablaze, and destroyed several police vehicles.
“The attackers torched two vehicles, destroyed ten others, and left the DPO critically injured,” SP Kiyawa revealed.
The DPO, whose name was withheld, was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment but sadly succumbed to his injuries later that day.
In response, police authorities arrested 27 suspects allegedly involved in the riot. The command assured residents that normalcy had been restored.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Bakori, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and vowed that justice would be served.
“We are committed to uncovering both the remote and immediate causes of this tragic sequence of events,” CP Bakori said.
“Those responsible, whether directly involved or through incitement, will be brought to justice.”
CP Bakori also visited the Emir of Rano, His Highness Mohammed Isah Umar, to condole with the community over the tragic loss.
The police urged the public to remain calm and trust the investigative process.
“We understand the pain, but we must allow the law to take its course. Vigilante justice will only cause more harm,” SP Kiyawa appealed.
