by Citizen Reporter, Kano
A series of powerful blasts today rocked the ancient city of Kano in well co-ordinated and apparently well planned attacks. The Boko Haram claimed responsibility and attacked the offices and residences of police and other security chieftains of the state.
The Zonal Police Headquarters, Zone 1, Kano situated along BUK road and residence of the the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) were attacked and casualties were recorded especially at the AIG’s office where a suicide bomber gained entry and rammed his Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) laden car at the building housing the offices. No definite number of dead or injured could be obtained but there were reportedly a huge number of casualties. At the AIG’s residence located at Bompai area, there was a reported exchange of heavy fire between the assailants and the police, forcing the police to flee while throwing a number of small IEDs at the residence. It is yet to be known whether the AIG was present at his office or residence during the twin attacks.
Not only AIG was the target, the State Security Services (SSS) Headquarters was also targeted by a lone suicide bomber but the attack was foiled and the attacker shot and killed while trying to force his car inside the office premises.
At another location, far from SSS offices, another mindless attack was in progress. Some attackers drove to Kano Passport Office in a green Peugeot 607, according to an eye witness, and calmly shot the two Immigration Officers manning the gates and other four persons suspected to be visitors and then started throwing explosive devices into the offices and creating maximum confusion in the process as a result of the deafening sound. At the same time a nearby police station was been attacked by the assailants with explosives and gun fire. There was also some undisclosed number of casualties, mostly policemen. Another police station at ‘Yar Akwa along Zaria road was also attacked. The attack on ‘Yar Akwa was merciless as the attackers bombed the station and gunned down the escaping cops.
All in all, not less than 30 bombs were said to have been used by the marauding attackers, throwing Kano into confusion especially the state government that have had to bear with its failure to forestall this occurrence. The notorious Boko Haram sect had warned Kano State government in December last year to stop harassing its members or face attack. In an email published by the Weekly Trust of December 17th, 2011, Boko Haram had specifically warned Governor Kwankwaso to stop arresting its members unnecessarily or face a “devastating” attack.
Meanwhile the state government has imposed a 24hr curfew. This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information Mr Jibril Umar Faruk in a radio and TV announcement. He said it has become necessary to curtail movement in order to face the current challenge and prays that “May Allah see us through”, he added.
