Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Special Task Force on the Identification of Illegal Infrastructures has ordered the immediate removal of a gate allegedly erected across a public access road at Rimin Auzinawa Quarters, Tudun Yola C, in Ungogo Local Government Area.
The chairman of the task force, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the area following complaints by residents.
Dr Sani, who is also the Director-General of the Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS), said the inspection was prompted by a petition from members of the Rimin Auzinawa community accusing Magaji Isyaka Mai Hula of converting a public access road into private property.
According to him, the petitioners alleged that Mai Hula installed a permanent gate across the road, restricting residents’ movement despite repeated appeals and police intervention.
The task force chairman directed Mai Hula to remove the gate immediately, warning that the government would enforce compliance if the directive was ignored.
He also instructed him to appear before the task force with the Certificate of Occupancy for his landed properties as well as the approved building permit.
Dr Sani criticised the alleged obstruction of a road used by an entire community, describing the action as a violation of town planning regulations and Islamic principles.
“The Kano State Government will not tolerate illegal structures that obstruct public access, inconvenience law-abiding residents, or create security concerns,” he said.
He added that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remained committed to protecting public interest and would not allow individuals to subject residents to unnecessary hardship through unlawful developments.
Speaking on behalf of the community, counsel to the residents, Barr Aminu Garba Sabonsara, commended the state government for responding promptly to their complaints.
Barr Sabonsara said the intervention reflected Governor Yusuf’s “Kano First” policy, which he said prioritises the welfare of citizens over the interests of influential individuals.
He also praised the task force, led by Dr Sani, for its efforts to remove illegal structures and enforce urban planning regulations across the state.
Residents of Rimin Auzinawa had earlier appealed to Governor Yusuf to intervene, alleging that the road had been unlawfully blocked after Mai Hula erected a solid gate across it, thereby restricting access for members of the community.