Kano governor mourns brutal murder of media aide, orders manhunt for killers

DDM News

(DDM) The governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reacted with deep sorrow and outrage following the gruesome murder of his aide, Malam Sadiq Gentle, who was hacked by suspected hoodlums in a violent machete attack.

DDM gathered that Gentle, who served as the Senior Special Reporter at the Ministry of History and Culture, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, days after the savage assault at his residence.

Governor Yusuf described the killing as barbaric and a direct attack on peace, humanity, and civil order in Kano.

In a strongly worded statement released by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, the governor expressed profound grief over the loss, stating that the tragedy has cast a dark cloud over the Kano State government and the wider media community.

“The news of the death of Malam Sadiq Gentle hit me with deep sadness and anguish,” the statement read.

“He was not only a devoted public servant, but also a man of peace and integrity who served the state with utmost dedication.”

“His gruesome murder is a tragedy and an affront to our collective humanity.”

Governor Yusuf has directed security agencies in the state to immediately begin a full-scale investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay.

He assured Gentle’s family, friends, and professional colleagues that justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.

DDM reports that the late Sadiq Gentle was known in Kano’s media circles as a dedicated and disciplined communicator who played a vital role in promoting the cultural heritage of the state through digital platforms.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but residents familiar with the area said he may have been targeted by criminal gangs known for attacking influential individuals.

Sources close to the victim’s family disclosed that the assailants broke into Gentle’s home at night and inflicted deep machete wounds before fleeing the scene, leaving him critically injured.

He was rushed to the hospital where he battled for days before finally succumbing to his injuries.

Governor Yusuf, visibly shaken by the incident, further described the murder as an assault on freedom of expression and the safety of government workers across the state.

He called on members of the public to remain calm but vigilant and cooperate with security operatives to expose those behind the heinous crime.

The state government has promised to provide support to Gentle’s family and to continue working to protect public servants, journalists, and vulnerable citizens across Kano.

As the investigation continues, questions linger about rising insecurity in urban Kano and the capacity of state law enforcement to contain criminal violence targeting individuals connected to government institutions.

The media fraternity in Kano has also expressed deep shock over the incident, calling for better protection of journalists and media professionals who often work under threats.

The killing of Sadiq Gentle marks one of the most brutal attacks on a government aide in recent memory and has amplified calls for urgent reforms in community policing and criminal justice systems in Kano and beyond.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook