Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of at least four persons during a violent forced eviction carried out by Kano State government at Rimin Auzinawa in Ungogo Local Government Area (LGA).
Today’s ruthless forced eviction is just the most recent examples of a practice that has been going on in Nigeria for decades — in complete violation of international law. This violent forced eviction affected impoverished communities that now lost everything – their livelihoods, their possessions and in some cases their lives.
Kano state government must halt these attacks on poor communities who are being punished for the state’s decades of urban planning failures. The chaotic scenes, and threats by the security forces to set fire to people’s homes has caused fear and panic. Using lethal force to render people who are already destitute homeless is a form of crude cruelty. State violence against the poor must end.
The violent forced evictions at Rimin Auzinawa occurred without genuine consultation with affected residents, adequate prior notice, provision of compensation or alternative housing – contrary to Nigeria’s international legal obligation.
