Tension erupted at the Farm Centre phone market in Kano on Tuesday afternoon as approximately 200 suspected armed thugs stormed the area, attacking traders and looting goods, according to market officials and eyewitnesses. The violent incident, which occurred around 1:25 pm, left several traders injured and forced many to abandon their stalls and flee for safety. The attackers, reportedly armed with cutlasses and other weapons, were allegedly accompanying Kano Central senatorial aspirant Abdussalam Abdulkareem, popularly known as AA Zaura, who was heading to an event at a nearby hotel.
Market chairman Jamilu Bala Gama confirmed the attack, describing the scene as chaotic and terrifying. He stated that the assailants were numerous—possibly over 200—and targeted innocent traders without provocation. “They attacked innocent people and marketers, injuring them and stealing their property,” Gama said, emphasizing the scale and brutality of the assault. The violence did not remain confined to Farm Centre; it spilled over into adjacent markets such as City Centre and New Dubai, spreading fear and disruption across the commercial hub.
Traders were left with no choice but to close their shops and evacuate as the attackers lingered around the event venue, creating a sense of insecurity. Gama expressed deep concern over the growing pattern of political figures moving through public spaces with armed escorts, which he believes fuels instability and endangers civilians. “We plan to take legal action against politicians generating tension in our markets by moving around with hoodlums,” he warned, calling for accountability and stronger security measures.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, police officers who arrived at the scene to restore order were reportedly attacked by the thugs, with some sustaining injuries. This further highlights the dangerous environment faced by law enforcement and civilians alike during such incidents. The presence of armed individuals in a bustling commercial area during daylight hours has raised serious questions about security protocols and political conduct in the region.
The attack has sparked outrage among market traders and local residents, who demand immediate action from both security agencies and political leaders. Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and the identities of those involved. The incident also underscores the broader issue of political violence and its impact on everyday Nigerians, particularly in commercial zones that are vital to the economy.
As investigations continue, there is growing pressure on authorities to ensure that such acts of intimidation and violence are not tolerated. The incident at Farm Centre serves as a stark reminder of the need for peace, security, and responsible political conduct in Nigeria’s urban centers.
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