By Mustapha Usman
The Hawan Daushe Durbar on Saturday ended in tragedy as thugs allegedly loyal to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje attacked supporters of a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The durbar, characterised by spectacular equestrian display, gun salutes, pomp and pageantry, attracts spectators from around the world.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that top political associates and supporters of the former governor, who appeared in their trademark red cap at the durbar, were attacked by the machete-wielding thugs.
The supporters of the former governor make it a tradition to attend the durbar to show their numerical strength and pay homage to the emir.
A former Secretary to the State Government, Rabiu Bichi; former Chief of State to Mr Kwankwaso, Yunusa Dangwani; former commissioner for State Affairs, Aminu Abdulsalam and; former commissioner of Lands, Yusuf Dambatta, sustained injuries during the attack.
Mr Kwankwaso’s brother, Yahaya Kwankwaso, also escaped lynching as the thugs descended on them in a free-for-all attack.
A witness, Sani Mazaunar Tanko, said “they started attacking any person with Kwankwasiyya cap. I saw a lot of people lying in the pool of their own blood.”
“We all had to scamper for safety,” he added.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the victims are currently receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.
Contacted, the state commissioner for Information, Mohammed Garba, denied knowledge of the attack, saying he was unaware of any clash.
“We went there and returned peacefully amid cheers of Governor Ganduje’s teaming supporters.
“Our government is for the promotion of peaceful co-existence among the people. So our administration will never support violence of any form.
“Despite the fact that we even received intelligence three days earlier that Kwankwasiyya supporters had mobilized to stone the governor, but the peace-loving governor sued for peace and urged his supporters not to attack anybody,” Mr Garba added.
Police are yet to comment on the incident.
