Politics
Mass Protest Erupts in Kano as Married Women Demand End to Gang Violence
Mass Protest Erupts in Kano as Married Women Demand End to Gang Violence
By Ridwan Adeola & Usman Bello Balarabe
Kano, Nigeria – Dozens of married women from the Kofar Mata community in Kano State staged a peaceful protest on Saturday, August 2, calling on the government to urgently address the escalating violence fueled by thuggery and gang clashes in the state. The demonstrators, armed with placards and chanting slogans, took to the streets in a coordinated march to raise awareness about the rising insecurity plaguing their neighborhoods. Many of the women expressed frustration over the frequent and deadly clashes between rival groups, which have claimed the lives of innocent children and disrupted daily life.
“Our community is no longer safe,” said Hajia Fatima Usman, one of the protest leaders. “A 14-year-old boy who lived in my area was recently killed while playing outside. These thugs stormed in and attacked him with machetes. We can’t sleep with our eyes closed anymore.”
Residents from surrounding areas have echoed similar concerns, saying the clashes have left entire neighbourhoods living in fear.
Another protester, Malama Aisha Ibrahim, shared a harrowing account of a recent tragedy involving a guest from Katsina State. “Just yesterday, my brother came crying. Our neighbours were hosting a visitor, and he was caught in the middle of a clash. He was killed for no reason. We are tired of burying our loved ones,” she said.
The protesters, made up primarily of married women, were joined by younger women and students, who also voiced their fears for the future.
Nineteen-year-old Amina Sani, a student, revealed how the violence has disrupted her education and religious activities. “I used to attend evening Islamic classes, but I’m now scared to go out after sunset. Just last week, a girl my age was injured during another attack,” she said.
Zainab Mohammed, another young protester, emphasized the need for proactive solutions to address the root causes of youth involvement in gang activities.
“Many of these thugs are unemployed and frustrated. If the government can create more jobs or provide vocational training, we might see a reduction in crime, violence, and drug abuse,” she said.
The women have vowed to continue their protest until authorities intervene and restore safety to the affected communities. Some of their demands include increased police presence, enforcement of stricter anti-thuggery laws, and youth empowerment initiatives.
This protest adds to the growing public pressure on state authorities to tackle insecurity and safeguard lives and property in Kano State.
Related News:
Photos from the protest are circulating widely on social media as the women’s movement garners national attention.