kano assembly probes demolition of 500 shops in Rano

Kano State House of Assembly has constituted a seven-man committee to investigate the recent demolition of over 500 shops at Rano market in Rano Local Government Area.

The decision followed a motion of Urgent Public Importance raised by the member representing Rano Constituency, Ibrahim Muhammad (NNPP-Rano) who expressed concerns over the demolition’s impact on local traders and the community.

He described the demolition as “unfortunate,” urging the assembly to intervene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the action.

Muhammad called for clarity on the reasons behind the demolition, highlighting the severe economic hardship faced by the affected traders, who have lost their means of livelihood.

He also questioned the legality of the demolition, stressing that the affected shop owners were not given adequate notice or compensation.

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Responding to the motion, Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ismail Falgore directed that a seven-member committee be formed to investigate the matter.

Falgore said that the committee would be tasked with determining the reasons for the demolition by the local government chairman.

“They are also to examine whether due process was followed, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he said.

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According to him, the committee will be chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu and is expected to submit its findings within one week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demolition, which took place last week has sparked widespread protests from market traders and residents of Rano.

Many people called on the state government to pay compensation and relocate the affected traders.