A storm of controversy has erupted in Kano State following the demolition of over 500 shops at Rano Market. The move has left many traders in distress and sparked widespread outrage.
In response, the Kano State House of Assembly has launched an official investigation into the incident. On Monday, lawmakers took decisive action by forming a seven-member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the demolition. The situation has caused significant economic hardship for those affected.
The motion to investigate the matter was raised by Ibrahim Muhammad, the representative of Rano Constituency. He condemned the demolition as deeply unfortunate and urged his fellow lawmakers to intervene. Muhammad questioned the rationale behind the action and called for an urgent review of the situation.
He also expressed concerns about the legality of the demolition. The shop owners, he pointed out, were not given adequate notice or any form of compensation. The sudden loss of their businesses, he argued, had left many traders without a means of survival in an already challenging economic climate.
Responding to these concerns, Speaker of the House Alhaji Ismail Falgore directed the formation of a special committee to investigate the issue.
The committee is chaired by Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu-Butu and has been given a one-week deadline to submit its findings. Their task is to determine why the demolition was carried out, whether due process was followed, and what measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Lawmakers emphasized that the well-being of the affected traders must be a priority. Appropriate recommendations will be made based on the committee’s findings.
The demolition, which occurred last week, has triggered massive protests across Rano Local Government Area. Market traders and residents have voiced their anger over the destruction.
They are calling on the state government to intervene by providing compensation and relocating the affected business owners. Many believe the demolition was carried out in a way that disregarded the rights and livelihoods of the people. This has fueled frustration and distrust toward local authorities.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the state assembly to ensure justice is served. For many of the traders who lost their shops, the stakes could not be higher.
Their businesses represented not just sources of income but also the foundation of their families’ financial security. With tensions running high, the outcome of the probe will be critical. It will determine the next steps and help restore confidence in the government’s handling of public markets and business properties.
