Kano Police Invite Local Council Chair Over Thug Attack Allegations

The Kano State Police Command has opened an investigation into an alleged attack on factory workers by thugs reportedly led by Sa’adatu Salisu, chairperson of Tudunwada Local Government Council. Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred on 28 August when Mrs. Salisu, who also chairs the Kano branch of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), allegedly ordered her orderly to open fire on the workers, causing injuries. Police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa confirmed that a formal complaint has been filed against Mrs. Salisu and that all parties—including witnesses and the suspect—have been summoned for questioning. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to establish the facts.

The workers, employed by Tasarrufi General Enterprise, reported that Mrs. Salisu visited the factory earlier in the day with a road‑construction contractor and demanded that the factory be relocated. Although they explained that the facility was not within the road‑construction area, Mrs. Salisu allegedly insisted that the workers vacate the premises. Later that day she returned with a group of more than 200 thugs, who attacked the employees with machetes and other weapons. One victim, Mustapha Bashir, said he was shot in the hand while trying to protect the factory manager. Another, Khalifa Suyudi, suffered a fracture to his left hand while shielding his boss.

Factory manager Suyudi Umar noted that this was the fourth time Mrs. Salisu had visited the factory, despite being told the site was not affected by the road project. He expressed surprise and concern that a local government official would lead an assault on innocent workers. The incident has raised worries about the safety and security of laborers in the area.

Efforts to obtain comment from Mrs. Salisu have been unsuccessful, as her phone number could not be reached. The case underscores the need for local officials to respect citizens’ rights and safety, and for authorities to take prompt action to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The police investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances of the attack and determine the appropriate course of action.