Following a bloody land dispute that claimed lives between the village and Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged the people of Rimin Zakara to be patient and peaceful.
Speaking on a visit to the region after returning from a pilgrimage, Emir Sanusi prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and offered his condolences to the families of those slain in the conflict.
“We must offer prayers for the deceased’s souls and for their families’ ability to cope with this tragedy. “I hope that this is the last tragic event that occurs in our community,” he remarked.
The Emir cautioned impacted citizens to use patience and let the legal system handle things, stating that violence only results in further suffering.
“When violence erupts, it is our own people who suffer. The problem cannot be solved by devastation or bloodshed. To save lives and property, we have to cooperate,” he stated.
Given that the community and BUK both assert legal title of the contested land, Sanusi acknowledged the complexities of the long-running land issue.
He emphasized the necessity of a court-based, evidence-based resolution as well as productive discussions with the appropriate authorities.
“This issue shouldn’t be made more difficult. Clear evidence must be used to resolve the case if it is in court. We must get down with all interested parties to find a durable solution to the problem,” he stated.
The Emir declared plans to form a group with representatives from the state administration, BUK management, security services, and community leaders in order to help find a solution.
“To make sure justice is served, we will work with the Governor, BUK authorities, and security personnel. But you have to face the facts if you have sold your land and gotten paid,” he continued.
The Emir further emphasized that no piece of land or property is worth the loss of human life and asked citizens to put peace and unity first.
“One person’s life is worth more than the planet as a whole. To make sure that tragedies like these never occur again, we must cooperate. Allah is always on the side of those who uphold the truth, and justice will win out,” he declared.
Recall that on Sunday, while demolishing the buildings that had been unlawfully constructed on the disputed territory, a group of security personnel allegedly opened fire, killing four people and wounding several others.
In response to the killings, the State Government said that a committee will be formed to look into the situation through Comrade Ibrahim Wayya, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs.