Kareem Abdulrahman

KANO, Nigeria – A fire outbreak believed to be ignited by yet-to-be-identified arsonists has reportedly destroyed a palace at the Gidan Rumfa where the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, is occupying.

Palace sources said that it occurred on Friday night, around 11pm.

One of the sources said one of the palaces located at Kofar Kudu where the Emir sits every Monday for court was seriously affected.

“It was the palace at Kofar Kudu. You know the palace has an entrance from inside while the main entrance is from the front (outside). The key was forced open and what was suspected was that they broke in, set the fire and locked the door.

“The throne, air conditioners and other valuables in the palace have been destroyed,” local newspaper,  Daily Trust quoted the source as saying.

The Public Relations Officer, Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abudullahi said the command was not aware of the incident as there was no call regarding the incident at any of the agency’s centres.

However, the Chief of Staff to the Emir, Munir Sanusi Bayero, Dan Buram Kano, confirmed the incident in a statement that said it happened on Saturday.

He said: “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.”

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