By Victor Itodo Abuh
THE JOY of a wedding celebration in Goron Dutse, Dala LGA of Kano State, turned into grief and outrage on Sunday after police officers allegedly opened fire on attendees, killing two teenagers and injuring three others.
The victims, multiple sources confirmed to this reporter, are identified as 19-year-old Michael Rotimi and 15-year-old Dan Yahaya, were among families and friends gathered to witness a traditional Gangi performance, a customary entertainment display during weddings.
Residents said the officers stormed the Yalwa Community without warning, firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
Michael Rotimi’s father recounted the devastating moments. “I had left my son at home washing his clothes,” Mr. Rotimi said. “Then my wife called to say he had been shot. By the time we got him to a hospital, no doctor was available because of the ongoing NARD strike. He died on the way to the Armed Forces Military Hospital.”
Dan Yahaya, who was hit by a stray bullet while accompanying his mother to the ceremony, succumbed to his injuries the following day. “We feel deeply pained and heartbroken,” said his uncle, Yusuf Shehu Ahmad. “He was just stepping outside when it happened. He did not deserve this.”
Eyewitnesses painted a scene of panic and chaos. One resident said” “We suddenly started hearing gunshots and people ran in every direction. Children and women were screaming. There was no provocation; the ceremony had been peaceful.”
Residents expressed frustration at the police response. The families of the victims reported being ignored when they took Michael Rotimi’s body to the Jakara Police Division. “We are talking about human lives,” his father lamented.
The police, however, have reportedly claimed that the officers acted on intelligence of a potential clash related to the Gangi event. Attempts to reach the Kano State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful as of Monday evening.
The tragedy has left the community questioning the safety of public celebrations and the conduct of law enforcement. Residents now call for accountability and justice for the young lives lost, as well as measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The victims were buried Monday evening, our source said, leaving families and neighbors mourning a senseless loss that has shaken the tight-knit community.
