TheCable

The Kano state government says it intends to utilise debris from demolitions for the rehabilitation of ancient city walls.

Abba Yusuf, the governor, spoke after inspecting ongoing demolition sites in Kano metropolis.

On Friday, a task force set up by the governor commenced the demolition of structures believed to be erected on government-owned land.

Some of the structures demolished so far include the roundabout located near the government house, a three-storey building with 90 shops located at Nasarawa GRA and shops built beside the fence of Sani Abacha stadium in Kofar Mata.

Others are buildings by GGSS Dukawuya, Goron Dutse, buildings at Kano Hajj camp and the Daula Hotel, among others.

Yusuf said the police and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mandated to  guard demolition sites against scavengers.

“We went round the city to inspect the various demolished sites. We have decided to use the debris of the demolished sites to rehabilitate Kano city walls to preserve history, beautify the state and make it site of attraction as a national monument,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf called on the people of the state to continue to be law abiding and report any suspicious movement to security agencies for prompt action.

The ancient Kano city walls were defensive walls built to protect inhabitants.

Construction of the wall began in 1095 and was completed in the middle of the 14th century.

It was reconstructed to its modern-day state and design in the 16th century.