RANO, Kano State – Serious questions are being raised about the response of police officers during the violent attack on Rano Police Division that resulted in the death of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bala Ali on May 26, 2025.
A concerned community member, Ishaq Danuwa Rano, has publicly questioned whether other officers on duty abandoned their colleague during the mob attack that erupted after motorcycle mechanic Abdullahi Musa died in police custody.
The incident began on May 25, 2025, when Musa was arrested for reckless motorcycle riding. He was taken into custody and later showed signs of weakness, prompting his being rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away on May 26, 2025, at about 06:00 am while receiving treatment.
Following news of Musa’s death, a group of angry youths reportedly stormed the Rano Police Division, setting parts of the station ablaze and vandalizing vehicles. The DPO was seriously injured in the attack and later died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Critical Questions Raised
The community member, Ibrahim Ishaq Dan’uwa Rano, expressed deep concern about the apparent lack of support for the DPO during the attack. In a passionate plea for answers, they questioned why other security personnel stationed at the division failed to provide adequate protection.
“When DPO was killed, were there no other Police Officers on duty? Did they run away and leave him in that situation?”
The questioner highlighted the typically robust security presence in local government areas, noting that divisions usually maintain multiple officers per shift, along with various security agencies including SIB, ZIB, DSS, CID, Civil Defence, NDLEA, and Area Command personnel – all typically armed.
Calls for Investigation into Officer Conduct
Ibrahim Ishaq suggested that if the DPO fought until his ammunition was exhausted before attempting to flee, other officers should have provided backup protection, even at the cost of their own lives. They argued that failure to do so constituted a betrayal of both their colleague and the dignity of the police force.
“If I were the judge in the Police Criminal Court,” the concerned citizen stated, they would demand accountability from all officers who failed in their duty during the crisis.
Police Response and Investigation
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 27 suspects in connection with the violence. The incident has prompted broader discussions about police-community relations and the circumstances that led to both the detainee’s death and the subsequent mob violence.
Community Awaits Answers
As investigations continue, the community awaits official responses to the troubling questions about police response protocols and officer accountability during the attack. The incident has highlighted broader concerns about police conduct, community relations, and institutional integrity within Nigeria’s security forces.
The tragic events in Rano have become a flashpoint for discussions about police reform, accountability, and the need for transparent investigations into both the original detention death and the subsequent mob violence that claimed the DPO’s life.