The Coalition of Northern Youth Assembly (CNYA), Kano Chapter, has expressed concern over recent commentary by Amnesty International regarding the reported killings in Kano State, urging for a more balanced and evidence-based interpretation of the incident.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Nworisa Michael, the group said while the loss of lives is deeply regrettable and must be condemned, the framing of the incident risks oversimplifying a complex security challenge and could mislead public understanding.
The coalition noted that available local accounts suggest the violence was the result of a clash between rival groups commonly referred to as yan daba (political thugs), a long-standing issue in the state that predates the current administration.
According to the group, attributing the incident directly to political actors or government influence without verifiable evidence may divert attention from the deeper structural causes of youth violence and political thuggery in Kano.
The CNYA also acknowledged efforts by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to address the issue, particularly through the Safe Corridor Programme, which focuses on the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals involved in violent activities. It further referenced the recent approval of funding for the next phase of the initiative, targeting about 1,000 beneficiaries.
While stressing that government actions should remain open to scrutiny, the coalition maintained that such scrutiny must be grounded in verified facts and transparent investigative processes rather than assumptions or unverified claims.
The group also raised concerns about what it described as selective focus in reporting, noting that similar security and politically related violence in other regions do not always receive equal attention. It warned that such imbalance could affect public perception and national discourse.
CNYA called on relevant authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, ensuring that all individuals involved, regardless of affiliation, are held accountable under the law.
It also urged civil society organisations and international bodies to adopt approaches that promote clarity and constructive engagement in their assessments of security-related issues.
The statement reaffirmed that addressing the challenge of yan daba requires sustained policy intervention, community participation, and responsible reporting to achieve lasting peace in Kano State.
