Residents of Rano town in Kano State are alarmed by the presence of armed hoodlums who have taken up residence at the Emirate’s headquarters since Sunday.
A letter sent to the state Police Commissioner, on Tuesday, disclosed that these armed individuals have been camped at the Emir’s palace, including both the Main Palace and the historic Tsohon Gari Palace, since their arrival.
The identities and intentions of those who brought them there remain unknown, raising concerns about the safety of lives and property in the area.
The letter partly reads: “On the evening of Sunday, July 7, 2024, Rano town, the heart of our Rano emirate, was invaded by armed hoodlums, believed to be sponsored by unidentified persons, who camped at the Emir’s palaces.”
The letter also highlights that the presence of these armed individuals defies a recent directive issued by the Police Commissioner on June 20, 2024. This directive banned all non-state security actors, including vigilantes and hunters, from providing security services in the state.
Residents of the Rano emirate are known for their peaceful disposition and typically go about their activities without causing trouble.
The letter emphasized that Rano has enjoyed years of uninterrupted peace, with security agencies attesting to this fact.
However, recent disputes over the emirates in Kano State have led to increased tension and dissatisfaction among residents, who feel that their views have been disregarded.
The letter noted that there were no public hearings across the state to assess the necessity of dissolving the four additional emirates (Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi) established by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Despite these tensions, the residents of Rano have shown restraint, abiding by the law and engaging only in peaceful protests.
They continued to respect the judicial process, awaiting the outcome of the emirate case currently before the Federal High Court in Kano.
