Daylight raid at Kano phone market raises fresh security concerns

Panic swept through the bustling Farm Centre mobile phone market in Kano on Monday after suspected thugs staged a brazen daytime attack, disrupting business activities and reigniting concerns over urban security.

The assailants, described by witnesses as mostly young men, reportedly stormed a section of the market around Yoyo Plaza, where many traders deal in mobile devices. Armed with sharp weapons, they allegedly assaulted traders and customers while forcefully seizing phones and other valuables.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers may have moved into the market from a nearby political gathering, although this claim remains unverified by authorities.

“The situation was chaotic. People ran in different directions as the attackers chased and robbed anyone in sight,” a trader said, recounting the confusion that brought commercial activities to a halt.

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The swift deployment of armed police officers helped to contain the situation before it escalated further. Security operatives dispersed the group, restoring a measure of calm to the area.

While no deaths have been officially confirmed, multiple victims were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the incident.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna, were unsuccessful as calls and messages seeking official comment went unanswered as of press time.

The incident has heightened anxiety among traders in the market, many of whom are now calling for increased security presence to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.