The Nigerian Democracy Working Group has criticised Amnesty International over its report on the killing of five persons in Kano State, accusing the organisation of making premature and unverified allegations.
In a statement signed by its Kano State Coordinator, Saed Adam Mohammed, the group expressed concern over what it described as a rushed conclusion by Amnesty International regarding the May 5, 2026 incident.
The group said while the loss of lives remains condemnable, conclusions about political motivation were allegedly reached without adequate investigation.
“The Nigerian Democracy Working Group strongly expresses concern over the recent report issued by Amnesty International regarding the tragic incident that led to the killing of five persons in Kano State,” the statement read.
It added, “While we condemn the loss of lives and support every legitimate effort aimed at ensuring justice and accountability, we find it disturbing that Amnesty International rushed to classify the incident as politically motivated without what appears to be a fair, balanced, and comprehensive investigation.”
According to the group, available local accounts suggested that the incident resulted from clashes between rival groups known for longstanding violent rivalry rather than political violence.
“From available local accounts and realities on the ground, the incident of Tuesday, May 5, 2026, was a clash involving rival groups of thugs with a long history of violent rivalry,” the statement noted.
The organisation further maintained that there was no verified evidence linking the Kano State Government or political office holders to the killings.
“At this moment, there is no publicly verified evidence directly linking the Kano State Government or political office holders to the unfortunate incident,” it stated.
The group also accused Amnesty International of relying on unverified sources, warning that such reporting could escalate tensions.
“We are particularly concerned by what appears to be Amnesty International’s reliance on viral videos and unverified claims in making sweeping allegations capable of inflaming tensions and misleading the international community about the true situation in Kano State,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Democracy Working Group described the incident as a criminal confrontation being wrongly framed as political violence, saying such characterisation could damage the image of the state and its leadership.
“It is unfortunate that what appears to be a criminal clash among rival hoodlums is now being framed in a manner capable of creating a damaging impression against Kano State and its leadership,” it said.
The group further alleged a disproportionate focus on Kano State, noting that insecurity in other parts of Nigeria had not received similar international attention.
“We also observe with concern what appears to be a disproportionate focus on Kano State by Amnesty International, while several communities across other parts of Nigeria continue to experience serious insecurity, killings, and displacement without attracting similar levels of attention and condemnation,” the statement read.
It warned that branding violent confrontations in Kano as political thuggery without conclusive evidence could harm innocent individuals and institutions.
The group commended the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for efforts aimed at tackling youth violence, citing the recently approved Safe Corridor rehabilitation programme for repentant youths.
“It is important to state that the Kano State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has continued to demonstrate commitment towards addressing the menace of youth violence and thuggery,” the statement added.
Calling for professionalism and objectivity, the organisation urged Amnesty International to adopt fairness in its engagement with issues concerning Nigeria.
“Selective activism and sensational reporting do not strengthen democracy, nor do they contribute positively to peace-building efforts,” the group said.
The Nigerian Democracy Working Group also urged authorities to carry out a transparent investigation into the incident.
“We urge relevant authorities to conduct transparent investigations into the incident and ensure that all individuals found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.
