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PROTESTS: Sanusi says security agencies knew of plans to loot in Kano but failed to act

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The 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has offered an explanation as to why violence and looting broke out during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano State.

He attributed the violence and looting to failure in intelligence and security to take proactive steps.

During a visit to assess the damage to several properties, including the Kano Printing Press, the NCC Digital Industrial Park, and Barakat Stores, the Emir criticized the security lapses that led to the destruction.

The properties were vandalized on August 1, the first day of the protests, by individuals who hijacked the otherwise peaceful demonstrations, causing significant damage and looting.

“As we used to say, whoever had a hand in this is an enemy of Kano and its people,” the Emir said.

He emphasized that the attacks were premeditated and that security agencies had been forewarned but failed to act.

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“Before this happened, the security operatives were notified in writing that it was going to happen, but instead of preventing it, it was allowed to happen,” the Emir lamented.

The Emir condemned those responsible for the destruction, expressing his dismay over the damage to the historic Kano Printing Press, which was established in 1938. “My grandfather had worked here. It is sad that a place like this is destroyed by their grandchildren,” he noted.

During his inspection, the Emir prayed for divine intervention and justice, saying, “Whoever did good knows, whoever did bad knows, and they all will see their result. We pray that God gives the government the opportunity to restore what was lost.”

He added, “We pray that God comes to the aid of these youths, and whoever is behind it, God will deal with them. I swear to Almighty God, those bent on destroying Kano will not succeed.”

Muhammad Tajo Othman, the state’s Commissioner for Science and Technology and ICT, assured that the state government had been authorized to repair the vandalized properties and replace the looted items.

He also noted that the NCC Centre, scheduled for commissioning this week, had been vandalized and partially set on fire.

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