The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has formally appealed to the Kano State Government to pay compensation to traders whose shops were demolished at the Filin Idi market in Kofar Mata. The Emir also called for the reallocation of stalls so that affected traders can resume their business activities without further delay.
His representative, Ibrahim Mai Bushira, delivered the appeal during a special prayer session organised by displaced traders at the Eid Ground in Kofar Mata. Mai Bushira confirmed that the Emir had already written to Governor Abba Yusuf, requesting relief measures for those affected by the demolition.
Emir's Representative Highlights Severe Hardship Caused by Demolition
According to Channels TV, Mai Bushira described the hardship caused by the destruction as severe, noting that the market stalls were the primary source of income for many traders. He said some affected individuals had reportedly died since losing their livelihoods, while others had developed high blood pressure as a result of the financial strain.
The prayer gathering was convened so that traders could seek divine intervention in their situation and call for government action to help them rebuild. Traders' association chairman Auwal Umar thanked the Emir for his support, but said many traders remained unable to carry out any commercial activities since the demolition had left them with no means to support their families.
Professor Warns of Economic Consequences and Calls for Modern Market
Ahmad Muhammad, a professor from the Federal University, Dutse, also spoke at the event and described Kano as a major commercial centre. He warned the government about the wider economic consequences of the demolition, saying the losses ran into billions of naira.
Muhammad urged the Kano State Government to consider building a modern market at the same location. He said the Filin Idi market was not just a local trading hub but also a commercial destination for buyers and sellers from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
He added that the market, directly and indirectly, provided livelihoods for more than one million people, making its rehabilitation critical to the economic well-being of Kano's trading community. He also called on international investors and entrepreneurs to explore ways to support the market's redevelopment.
Kano Emirate Mourns District Head
In a related development, Legit.ng earlier reported that Alhaji Shehu Kabiru Bayero, District Head of Dorayi and Barde Kerarriya of the Kano Emirate, passed away in Egypt. The Kano State Emirate announced his death in a Facebook statement on Tuesday, offering condolences to his family. Bayero had a decorated career spanning the Nigeria Police Force and traditional rulership dating back to 2006.
The demolition of the Filin Idi market and the subsequent appeal for compensation highlight the ongoing tension between urban development initiatives and the livelihoods of local traders. The Kano State Government has yet to respond publicly to the Emir's letter, but the outcome of this request could set a precedent for how future demolitions are handled in the state.
