Violent Daba clashes between youths from Kofar Danagundi and Kofar Naisa have over the years become a recurring phenomenon in the ancient city of Kano, especially on weekends, causing chaos and instilling fear among the residents.
These clashes often stem from old rivalries, pride over territory, and high youth unemployment. Tensions build up during the week, sometimes triggered by minor incidents like arguments during local football matches.
On weekends, the situation often escalates with groups of young people taking to the streets armed with sticks, stones, and other dangerous weapons.
In the most recent outbreak, what started as shouting turned into physical fights, destruction of property, and vandalism. Police officers, the Kano State Hisbah Corps, and local vigilantes responded quickly by using tear gas to disperse the crowds and sometimes impose temporary curfews to stop the violence.
The Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said several arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.
He stressed that violence threatening community safety will not be accepted.
For instance, during one of the clashes, many residents stayed inside their houses the following day, afraid of what may happen.Schools and shops in the area also remained closed, and public transport was also affected. Several people were injured, but no deaths were reported.
“We couldn’t sleep last night. The noise and fear felt like a battle zone,” said Amina Usman, a resident of Kofar Naisa. “These youths are our sons and brothers. It’s painful to see them fight like this again and again.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Dan-Musa, a respected cleric in Kano, urged the youth to remain calm and united. “Our youths are the future leaders .They must use their energy to build, not destroy.”
The Kano State Government has announced plans to launch programs focused on youth engagement, job creation, and promoting peace to reduce these recurring clashes.
This recurring violence reflects a wider issue affecting many cities in Nigeria, where youth restlessness grows due to unemployment, poor education, drug abuse, and weak social support. Experts warn that unless these problems are addressed, such weekend outbreaks of violence will continue.
To address this issue, all hands must be on deck; the government, community leaders and all well-to-do individuals should contribute their quota, heavily invest in youth empowerment, community policing, and regular dialogue between local neighborhoods.
The repeated clashes between Kofar Danagundi and Kofar Naisa are long overdue. It also shows how unresolved tensions can quickly lead to violence. As the city works toward restoring normal life, people of Kano hope for lasting peace, unity, and progress instead of ongoing conflict.
Sadiya is a 300 -level Mass Communication student from Maryam Abacha American University Kano
