Kano Emirate count losses as fire engulfs palace

The palace of Alhaji Muhammadu, the Emir of Kano, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Saturday.

The blaze, allegedly started by arsonists, destroyed a portion of the Gidan Rumfa palace, which is currently occupied by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, according to sources close to the palace.

An eyewitness account, who pleaded anonymity because he wasn’t authorise to speak on the matter, said, “The palace at Kofar Kudu, where Sanusi Ii resides has an entrance from inside, while the main entrance is from the front. The key was believed to have been forced open and the arsonists were said to have set the palace locked the door,” before fleeing the premises.”

“In the process, the symbol of the throne, air conditioners, including other valuables in the palace were destroyed,” the source said.

In a statement released on Saturday, Munir Sanusi Bayero, the Chief of Staff to the Emir of Kano (Dan Buram Kano), officially confirmed the fire incident at the palace.

Meanwhile, a statement on the fire incident reads: “On Saturday, 13th July 2024 morning, a fire incident occurred at the outer court of His Highness’s Palace, Kofar Kudu. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the damage was minimal.

‘’The palace is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the palace and its occupants. We are also investigating the cause of the fire and taking steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.’’