The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged attack on factory workers by thugs reportedly led by Sa’adatu Salisu, the chairperson of Tudunwada Local Government Council. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on August 28, when Mrs. Salisu, who also serves as the chairperson of the Kano branch of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), allegedly ordered her orderly to open fire on the workers, resulting in injuries.
The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed against Mrs. Salisu and that all parties involved, including witnesses and the suspect, had been invited for questioning. The investigation is ongoing, with the police aiming to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The factory workers, employed by Tasarrufi General Enterprise, reported that Mrs. Salisu had visited the factory earlier in the day, accompanied by a road construction project contractor, and demanded that the factory be relocated. Despite being informed that the factory was not within the road construction area, Mrs. Salisu allegedly insisted that the workers vacate the premises.
Later that day, Mrs. Salisu returned to the factory with a group of over 200 thugs, who attacked the workers with machetes and other dangerous weapons. One of the victims, Mustapha Bashir, claimed that he was shot in the hand while trying to protect the factory manager. Another victim, Khalifa Suyudi, sustained a fracture to his left hand while attempting to shield his boss from an attack.
The factory manager, Suyudi Umar, stated that this was the fourth time Mrs. Salisu had visited the factory, despite being told that the factory was not affected by the road construction project. The manager expressed surprise and concern that a local government official would lead an attack on innocent workers.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security of workers in the area. The police investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine the appropriate course of action. Efforts to reach Mrs. Salisu for comment have been unsuccessful, as her phone number was not reachable. The case highlights the need for local government officials to respect the rights and safety of citizens, and for the authorities to take prompt action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
