Residents of three rural settlements in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State—Katai, Faudan, and Gaba Gadi—are struggling to recover after a destructive operation that left houses in ruins, livelihoods shattered, and tensions dangerously high. The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Friday, March 27, 2026, roughly 60 kilometres from Kano city. Locals described the event as deeply disturbing and tragic. According to multiple accounts, security personnel believed to be police officers stormed the villages, burning homes, looting businesses, discharging firearms, and using tear gas. Several buildings were completely destroyed, including residential homes and food storage structures. Vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and grinding machines were also affected. In addition, livestock were found burnt in different parts of the communities, while shops were forcibly opened and emptied. How the Incident Unfolded Eyewitnesses explained that the situation began late Thursday night when unknown armed individuals entered the communities, firing shots sporadically and injuring at least one person. In retaliation, local youths reportedly captured one of the suspected attackers and beat him to death, while others escaped. By the following morning, the situation intensified. Reports indicate that over 15 vehicles carrying armed personnel entered the villages. Residents claimed the officers fired randomly, released tear gas, and set properties on fire. Survivors Share Their Ordeal A resident of Katai, Muhd Yakubu, narrated the extent of his loss. “They completely destroyed all my rooms and set my food storage on fire. About 20 goats were burnt alive.” Another victim, an elderly woman over 100 years old, suffered burns on her face and hands when her home was set ablaze. “I was inside when they arrived asking for the men in the house. I told them no one was around. After searching, they set the building on fire. Our harvested crops, rooms, and even a newly parked Golf car were burnt. You can see where I got injured while escaping,” she explained. Community members also reported that three young men were arrested during the operation and taken away, with no information about their current location. Food Shortage Threatens Faudan In Faudan, the destruction of homes and food reserves has raised serious concerns about an impending food crisis. Abdulrahman Sale, speaking on behalf of the ward head, stated, “At the moment, we are relying on God and hoping for government intervention. Hunger will soon affect our people because all our stored food has been destroyed. We urge authorities to investigate and ensure justice is served.” Similar devastation was recorded in Gaba Gadi, including the loss of food storage facilities and the home of Ya’u A. Hassan, highlighting the widespread impact across the affected areas. Claims of Land Dispute Behind the Crisis Some residents believe the incident is linked to an ongoing land ownership dispute involving external interests. A local source, Mal Ilya, alleged that a district head from neighbouring Bunkure Local Government Area had been selling ancestral lands to wealthy buyers. “The district head has been allocating our inherited farmlands to rich individuals. We resisted because these lands belong to our families. He threatened to involve authorities against anyone opposing him. Now one of our people, Ali, has been taken, and we don’t know his whereabouts,” he claimed. Attempts to contact the district head of Indabo were unsuccessful at the time of this report. The Kano State Police Command has not yet released an official response regarding the allegations. Call for Investigation Reacting to the situation, the lawmaker representing Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency, Abdulhakim Kamilu Ado, called for a comprehensive investigation. In a statement shared via his Facebook page, he described the events in Katai and Faudan as alarming and deeply troubling. He urged security agencies, local authorities, and traditional leaders to thoroughly examine the incident. He also emphasized the need for urgent actions to restore peace, ensure safety, and support the affected populations. Urgent Need for Intervention As affected families attempt to rebuild their lives, demands for immediate government assistance continue to increase. With homes destroyed and food supplies lost, there are growing fears that the situation could escalate into a humanitarian crisis if prompt relief and accountability measures are not implemented.
