Amnesty launches public inquiry into rising political violence, thuggery in Kano

Amnesty International has launched a public inquiry into the growing wave of gang violence and political thuggery in Kano State following recent deadly attacks that claimed several lives.

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The rights organisation disclosed this in a press statement issued on Friday, describing the escalating activities of armed gangs, popularly known as ‘yan daba, as a serious threat to peace, security and human rights in the state.

According to Amnesty International, the inquiry forms part of its ongoing investigation into the recent violence that erupted in Kano and Gwarzo on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during which at least five persons were reportedly killed by suspected armed political thugs.

The organisation said the move is aimed at ensuring that both the perpetrators of the attacks and the politicians allegedly sponsoring them are identified and held accountable under both Nigerian and international law.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, expressed concern over what he described as the growing climate of fear in Kano State.

“The recent incidents of activities of armed gangs (‘yan daba) working for some prominent politicians and government officials pose a threat to peace and human rights of all people of Kano. These days, people in Kano are living in constant fear and this is unacceptable,” Sanusi said.

He noted that members of the public, civil society organisations and families of victims are being encouraged to provide information through secure channels that could assist investigators in exposing those behind the violence.

According to him, the inquiry seeks to gather credible evidence capable of linking armed gangs to political sponsors allegedly responsible for orchestrating acts of violence and intimidation in the state.

“The public, civil society organizations and families of victims can use our safe channels to share useful information that will help in ensuring that gangs involved in recent atrocities are held to account while the actual politicians sponsoring the thuggery are appropriately sanctioned under international law,” he stated.

Amnesty International further warned that the increasing wave of political violence in Kano could undermine democratic participation and public confidence in the political process if left unchecked.

“The Nigerian authorities, politicians and political parties must respect the rule of law at all times, and ensure that lives and property are not put at risk and are protected before, during, and after political events,” Sanusi added.

The organisation also called on political actors and parties in the state to publicly dissociate themselves from violent groups and political gangs allegedly terrorising residents.

According to Amnesty International, the continued use of armed gangs by political interests amounts to a violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“Politicians and political parties must publicly distance themselves from armed gangs making life a hell for the people, in utter violation of the provisions of Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and African Charter on Human and People’s Right,” the statement added.

The organisation warned that the disturbing rise in violent clashes and gang-related attacks across Kano is gradually creating an atmosphere of insecurity capable of discouraging citizens from freely participating in political and social activities.

Observers say the latest intervention by Amnesty International may increase pressure on security agencies and political authorities in Kano State to investigate the killings and take decisive action against those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out violence.

The recent killings in Kano and Gwarzo have continued to generate outrage among residents and civil society groups, with growing calls for justice for the victims and stronger action against political thuggery in the state.