Midday Chaos in Kano as Suspected Thugs Invade Phone Market
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — There was chaos at the popular Farm Center phone market in Kano on Monday after suspected thugs launched a brazen midday attack, disrupting business activities and sending traders and customers fleeing for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the busy market in large numbers, creating panic as they began assaulting people and vandalising shops. The incident, which occurred at the peak of trading hours, caught many off guard.
A trader at the market, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the hoodlums targeted sections of the market known for phone sales, including the popular Yoyo Plaza, where they allegedly unleashed violence on traders and passersby.
“They came suddenly and started beating people. Everyone was running for their lives. Some of them were carrying sticks and other weapons,” the source said.
Reports also indicated that the attackers engaged in widespread looting, snatching mobile phones from both shop owners and unsuspecting pedestrians in the surrounding area, further escalating the tension.
Some traders were said to have lost valuable goods, while others hurriedly shut down their shops to avoid being caught in the violence.
Security operatives, including police officers, later arrived at the scene and swiftly dispersed the attackers, restoring a measure of calm to the area.
A police presence remained visible around the market to prevent a recurrence and reassure traders and residents.
As of press time, there were no confirmed reports of fatalities, although the extent of injuries and losses sustained by victims remained unclear.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, even as affected traders continue to assess the damage caused by the attack.