The palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu, was at the early hours of Saturday gutted by fire.

The fire outbreak, suspected to have been ignited by suspected arsonists, according to sources close to the palace, destroyed a part of the palace at the Gidan Rumfa, where the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, (Ii) is currently occupying.

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.

Meanwhile, a statement issued on Saturday, by Munir Sanusi Bayero. Dan Buram Kano, Chief of Staff to His Highness, Sarkin Kano, confirmed the fire outbreak.

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.’’