On the morning of July 13, 2024, arsonists set fire to the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at Gidan Rumfa. The blaze damaged parts of the Kofar Kudu section of the palace where the Emir holds court sessions every Monday.
According to palace sources, the fire started after the perpetrators broke into the Kofar Kudu section.
“It was the palace at Kofar Kudu. The intruders forced open the door, set the fire, and then locked it from the inside,” a source explained.
The fire destroyed several items, including the throne and air conditioners. Despite the severity of the damage, the Kano State Fire Service was not contacted about the incident.
“The command was not aware of the incident as there was no call regarding the incident at any of the agency’s centres,” said Saminu Yusif Abudullahi, the Public Relations Officer for the Fire Service.
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Munir Sanusi Bayero, Chief of Staff to Emir Sanusi II, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday.
“On Saturday, July 13, 2024, 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,” Bayero said.
He also assured the public that efforts were underway to ensure the safety and security of the palace and its occupants.
“We are taking measures to secure the palace and prevent future incidents. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire,” Bayero added.