by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
KANO: While the crises generated as a result of Emirates tussle were yet to settle down completely, fire has reportedly gutted parts of the palace of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano.
The source of the outbreak is yet to be ascertained as part of one of the various palaces in the Kano Emirate where Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano is currently residing.
The Chief of Staff to the Emir, Munir Sanusi Bayero, has also confirmed the incident in a statement.
No casualties have however been recorded as a result of the incident, which occurred Friday night. The affected Emirate is called “Gidan Rumfa” and is founded by Emir Muhammadu Rumfa and located in the ancient city of Kano – which is reported to have been originally constructed in the late 15th century.
The incident occurred Friday night, around 11 pm, according to palace sources, who could not ascertain the real course of the fire.
The affected palace is the one located at Kofar Kudu, where traditionally, the Emir holds court on Mondays.
However, a palace source confirmed that the fire was set by some yet-to-be-identified persons, who forced open the doors to the palace and set the place ablaze.
“Having achieved that, they then locked the burning palace, after destroying the throne of the Emir, air conditioners, and other valuable items within the palace,” he said.
On its side, the Kano State Fire Service as at the time of this report claimed that, they are not informed about the incident, as no distress call was placed as a result.
Reacting on the matter on Saturday, the Chief of Staff to the Emir, Munir Sanusi Bayero, nevertheless, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“A fire incident occurred at the outer court of the Palace, Kofar Kudu, on Saturday morning, July 13, 2024. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the damage was minimal.”
Following the incident, the palace also announced that it is taking measures to ensure the safety and security of the occupants. Meanwhile, investigation to the course of the incident is on.