The Kano State police have dismissed claims that residents were killed during the hunger protest that turned violent.

The Kano Commissioner of Police, Salman-Dago Garba, made this known during a press briefing while parading suspects on Monday, August 12, 2024.

He said, “Going by the records, so far, we are not aware of any casualties recorded.”

It was reported that hoodlums hijacked the protest leading to the death of over five persons and a police officer.

However, the police have refuted claims of any protesters being killed in the process, stating that, “Aftermath of these events resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and recovery of a large quantity of exhibits. The command arrest and prosecute 600 suspects for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.

“Arrest and prosecution of 150 suspects for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State Government. Arrest of an additional six suspects linked with masterminding the destruction, setting ablaze and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are undergoing investigation. Arrest and transfer of 76 suspects flying Russian flags, including a foreigner to Force Headquarters, Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition.

“Arrest of 41 suspects for other major crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft and recovery of two AK-47 Exhibit Rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Baku Secretariat NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press (KPP), and Super markets.”

Garba revealed that despite the challenges during the protest, the command successfully apprehended two suspected kidnappers, five suspecter armed robbers, eight suspected car thieves, two human trafficking suspects, one notorious drug dealer and 23 suspected thugs.

He disclosed that 13 trafficking victims were rescued, the command recovered two AK-47 Rifles and one Beretta Pistol, 47 live ammunition eight motor vehicles and four sacks containing Exol Tablets.

Other items retrieved included two Bajaj Boxer Motorcycles, 22 cows,15 sheep, and four donkeys.

The Commissioner assured that the Kano State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest.