#EndBadGovernance Protest: 12 Killed by Police in Kano, Families Still Await Justice
Kano, Nigeria — August 4, 2025
At least twelve people were killed by police officers in Kano State during the #EndBadGovernance protests that erupted between 1st and 10th August 2024, according to eyewitness accounts and local human rights observers. One year on, families of the victims say they are yet to receive justice or accountability from the authorities.
The protests, which began peacefully across parts of Kano, turned violent after security forces allegedly used live ammunition to disperse crowds. Most of the killings occurred in the Rijiyar Lemo area, where demonstrators had gathered in large numbers.
Among the victims was Salahuddeen Umar, a 20-year-old who was shot in the leg on 3 August 2024 at Darerawa Street, Rijiyar Lemo. On the same day, Usman Hassan, 22, was shot in the stomach on Jajira Street, also in Rijiyar Lemo.
Fa’izu Abdullahi, aged 20, was reportedly killed on 1 August 2024 in Kurna Falwaya Street. Muhammad Sani, just 5 years old, was fatally shot in the lap on Kotu Street, Rijiyar Lemo, raising outrage over the killing of minors during the crackdown.
Another casualty, Nanah-Firdausi Haruna, a 35-year-old woman, was confirmed dead on 3 August in Yamman Gabas, Rijiyar Lemo. Abdulmalik Auwalu Abdulsalam, 21, died on 9 August near Kofar Nasarawa.
Other names in the list of fatalities include:
Bashir Lawan, 22, shot in both the stomach and leg on Kotu Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Habibu Falalu, 16, killed on 1 August at Daiba Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Abduljalal Yusuf, killed on 3 August at Ajira Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Aliyu Abdullahi, 19, fatally shot on 3 August at Kofar Nasarawa.
Bashir Abdullahi Salihu, 18, shot in the stomach on 1 August at Dar Erawa-Kofar Nassarawa, Bachirawa.
Mustapha (Dan-Jummai), 63, killed on 3 August at Yakasai, Kofar Nassarawa.
Despite the gravity of these deaths and ongoing public outcry, there has been no official statement from the Kano State Police Command acknowledging responsibility. Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation and prosecution of officers involved.
Activists and families of the victims continue to demand justice, accusing the government of silence and delay in responding to the killings.
"We are not asking for compensation, we are asking for justice and accountability. We cannot continue to bury our youth without answers," said a relative of one of the deceased.
The #EndBadGovernance movement had called for reforms in governance, transparency in public service, and an end to police brutality. The protest in Kano, however, has become a symbol of unresolved state violence.
