In a dramatic turn of events, Kano State House of Assembly member Abdul-Majid Umar narrowly escaped lynching by a hostile mob during a peace prayer event at the residence of Isyaka Rabiu in the Goron Dutse area. The event, aimed at promoting peace and stability, was attended by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, on Saturday.
Umar, representing Gwale local government under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), was seated next to the deposed Emir during the event. As he left the venue, Umar faced intense hostility from attendees who accused him of supporting the bill that led to Bayero’s removal from the throne.
The confrontation quickly escalated into violence. Umar recounted his harrowing experience to BBC HAUSA, explaining that the verbal attacks began shortly after the deposed Emir arrived. Supporters blamed Umar for the repeal of the Emirate Council Law 2019, which was instrumental in Bayero’s dethronement.
In a dramatic moment, the deposed Emir himself intervened to protect Umar from palace guards who attempted to assault him. Bayero physically pushed one guard away and reprimanded another, mitigating the immediate threat. Despite these efforts, Umar felt increasingly unsafe as the only government official present. He decided to leave the event but was subsequently attacked by individuals armed with dangerous weapons. Umar managed to escape by jumping into a police vehicle.
Two of Umar’s supporters were injured during the attack. His swift departure in the police vehicle was crucial in avoiding further harm. Khalid Adamu, a media aide to the deposed Emir, denied that the attackers were part of Bayero’s entourage, asserting that while Bayero had many supporters at the event, none were armed.
This violent incident underscores the ongoing strife in Kano following the repeal of the State Emirate Council Law 2019. Enacted under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, this law created four new emirates and significantly altered the traditional emirate structure. Tensions in Kano have heightened since the repeal, with the deposed Emir Bayero remaining at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, while the reinstated Emir Mohammad Sanusi II occupies the main palace.
As the conflict continues to affect the region’s stability, the need for dialogue and reconciliation becomes ever more critical.
PIONEER NEWS 