Parts of the palace at Gidan Rumfa, where the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, resided, were damaged by a fire that was alleged to have been started by unidentified persons.
According to palace sources, the impacted location was Kofar Kudu, which is where the Emir holds court every Monday. “It was the Palace of Kofar Kudu. The palace has an entrance from the inside, but the major entrance is from the front (outside). According to the source, the key was forced open, and it was assumed that they broke in, lit fire to the door, and then locked it.
The fire reportedly destroyed the throne, air conditioners, and other valuables within the palace. Despite the severity of the damage, the Kano State Fire Service was not notified.
The State Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abudullahi, stated, “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 of the 16th Kano Emir, Munir Sanusi Bayero, also known as the Dan Buram Kano, issued a statement on Saturday morning, confirming the occurrence. “On Saturday, July 13, 2024, a fire broke out in the outside court of His Highness’s Palace, Kofar Kudu. “Fortunately, there were no casualties and the damage was minimal,” he said.
The statement also emphasised that measures were being taken to ensure the safety and security of the palace and its occupants. An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future occurrence.
