Homes Turn into Crime Scenes as Kano Gang Wars Intensify
Kano State is witnessing a terrifying surge in gang violence, with deadly revenge killings moving from the streets into people’s homes. Over the weekend, four people were brutally murdered in clashes between rival gangs in Kurna Mayanka, Yan Yashi, and Tudun Fulani.
Among the victims was Usman Hamidan, who was gruesomely killed in his home in Kurna, Ungogo Local Government Area, while his elderly, paralyzed mother watched helplessly.
“They Slaughtered My Son in Front of Me” – Heartbroken Mother
Hajiya Habi Hamidan, nearly 80 years old and bedridden with paralysis, recounted the horrific moment to thewatch.ng.
“They broke into our house around midnight while I lay sick in my room. I suddenly heard his screams from the courtyard. When I looked out, I saw four of them in masks. I cried and begged, but they told me they came only to kill him,” she said through tears.
She described the scene as something out of an abattoir.
“They beheaded him. His brain spilled on the floor. They even licked the blood off their knives before walking out. He was my only son, my caregiver. Allah will judge them.”
More Deaths Reported as Fear Grips Residents
Residents say the recent killings are part of a wider pattern of rising gang brutality. Several others have reportedly been executed in similar night attacks in the Kurna area, with assailants breaking into homes under the cover of darkness.
“Even If It’s My Son, I’ll Hand Him Over” – Vigilante Leader Speaks
Alhaji Bashir Lawal Moriki, head of the local vigilante group, blamed some parents for protecting their criminal children.
“These boys are not spirits; they are our children. If parents stop shielding them, things can change. Even if it’s my son, I’ll personally hand him over if he commits murder,” Moriki said.
H2: Survivors Tell of Near-Death Encounters
Sabiu, a young security guard, narrowly survived an attack that left deep knife wounds on his head.
“They flashed a light in my eyes, and before I could react, I felt slashes and punches. I fell and thought I was going to die,” he told thewatch.ng, displaying his injuries.
Drugs and Fear of Police Arrests Add to Crisis
Community members identified drug abuse among the youth as a major cause of the violence. Many young men, they claim, are hooked on hard substances, fueling uncontrollable rage and violence.
They also accused police of arresting innocent youths after gang attacks, adding another layer of fear and distrust.
Government Urges Residents to “Protect Themselves”
Kano State’s Commissioner for Internal Security, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (Rtd.), visited the area and urged residents to be vigilant.
“If such attacks happen again, do your best to protect yourselves before help arrives,” he advised.
Attempts by thewatch.ng to reach the Kano State Police Command for comments on the alleged indiscriminate arrests and ongoing investigations were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Violence Evolves: From Street Fights to Home Invasions
Unlike previous gang clashes that occurred openly in markets or busy areas during the day, recent attacks show a shift to targeted assassinations inside homes, signaling a more dangerous evolution in Kano’s gang crisis.
As the bodies pile up, residents live in fear caught between armed thugs, weak security response, and a community in slow collapse.
