Governor Abba Yusuf says the violence that marred the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano was caused by hoodlums loyal to the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and thugs sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The Government House was breached on Thursday by armed youths, setting bonfires outside the precinct of the building after gaining access to the premises.

Mr Abba said the thousands of “peaceful” protesters had gathered in front of the Government House to submit their letter of grievances.

But said the event turned violent quickly when hoodlums welding weapons suddenly appeared from ‘Gidan Nasarawa’, which is the palace housing Emir Bayero, who was sacked some months ago by Mr Abba, and began to approach the Government House and subsequently launched attacks on security personnel upon their arrival.

“Thanks to the Almighty God, you’ve all seen what has happened yesterday, contrary to what the organisers of the protest who promised to do a peaceful demonstration, and they (protesters) really came out, thousands of them gathered at Murtala house,” stated the Kano governor.

He added, “They (protesters) were received by the security operatives at the Government House and were awaiting for the governor to receive them officially when suddenly, from ‘Gidan Nasarawa’ hoodlums appeared with weapons approaching the Government House, at the same time vehicles were seen bringing more hoodlums to the area with all kinds of weapons.”

Mr Yusuf said the security personnel had to take “a decisive action by throwing teargas at them and battled them for at least three hours, and from there, they receded and went back and started looting in houses, shops and government offices and burning anything they came across including a newly built ICT centre which is about to be commissioned this week.”