Trust TV’s cameraman attacked as traders protest demolition in Kano

A cameraman with Trust TV was attacked and almost stabbed by thugs while covering a protest by traders whose shops were demolished by the Kano State Government.

Daily Trust reports that Abdul, holding a camera, was hit by a vehicle and was surrounded by thugs who wanted to stab him but was saved by a Good Samaritan.

Trust TV’s correspondent who was with the cameraman, Idris Jibril, said, “I was shocked! Honestly, I thought I had lost my cameraman when I saw thugs attempting to stab him with a knife while he was on the ground. I had to quickly dismantle my microphone and put it inside my pocket to evade attention.”

Daily Trust reports that traders at the Kantin Kwari Market, occupying spaces around the Eid ground, protested the demolition of their temporary shops by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) on Wednesday morning.

Yakubu Muhammad, Chairman of the Kano Traders Association around Masallacin Idi in Kano metropolis, noted that over 5,000 traders would be out of business due to the quit notice issued by KNUPDA.

KNUPDA had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the traders selling goods around the Masallacin Idi by IBB Way to vacate the area or face legal action.

Muhammad claimed that the area was allocated to them over 18 years ago by the late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, through the emirate council.

He said, “The place was allocated to our members to check various criminal activities such as phone snatching and other immoral activities. The previous administrations later allocated the place to us to continue using it as a business premises.”

Muhammad emphasised that most of the traders were youths, hence that displacing them from their businesses could pose a danger to the state.

Meanwhile, the traders questioned the rationale behind removing them from a place where they had run lawful businesses for years and contributed to the state’s revenue.

“We supported this government. We voted for it during the 2023 elections. These traders categorically told the governor that their empowerment is to allow them to continue running their businesses at the Masallacin Idi,” said Shamsu Gambo Iliyasu.