The original owners of the controversial Masalacin Eid Ground that was revoked and demolished by the government of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf in Kano, has debunked reports that the government is reselling the place to other prospective tenants.
Speaking through a statement signed by their chairman, Alhaji Auwal Sa’id Saidu, the group said, “The attention of the leadership and members of the Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders whose business premises at Kofar Mata Eid Ground in Kano was demolished by the State Government in June 2023 has been drawn to a news item circulating on social media and some online newspapers concerning the fate of the now vacant, fallow and desolate area infested by crimes and criminality.
“The association has been inundated with inquiries regarding the sad state of affairs. Hence, the release. We thus wish to disabuse the minds of our members and the general public from the said information having reached out to those in authority who deny such plan of action.
“The association wants to further state that it is in good contact and consultation with the government on the fate of the premises and that if anybody deserves being relocated to shops at the premises, it is our members by virtue of our prior possession and existing court judgment upholding the validity of our status.
“Consequently, those vested interests pressurizing the government to reallocate the land to them for business purposes should be aware that they would be usurping the remnants of the association’s judicially affirmed interests on the land and would meet a stiff resistance.
“In the meantime amicable and friendly consultation and interface continue as the government makes the final decision.”
