Attack On Kano Emir’s Palace: CSOs Seek Police Investigation

Barely 24 hours after an attack on the Kano Emir’s Palace, Gidan Rumfa, located in Kofar Kudu within the old city, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by One Kano Agenda has demanded explanations from the police over their deafening silence on the incident.

The Kano Emir’s Palace allegedly came under attack on Sunday evening by a convoy of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, while returning from the residence of the late Kano business mogul Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, where he paid a condolence visit.

The CSOs have representatives from Kano Digital Media Rangers, Mustapha Abdullahi, Youth Mobilisation by Media, Comrade Salisu Gambo, Northern Youth Assembly, Alhaji Suleiman Idris, One Voice Development Initiative, Mal Abdulkadir Abubakar, Beyond Border Alliance, Aisha Muhd Shettima, Kano First Forum: Barr. Badamasi Gandu, Amb. Abbas Abdullahi, Convener: One Kano Agenda and Barrister. Mukhtar Musa, Secretary, One Kano Agenda.

The organisations said they learned that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero abandoned the usual route to his residence at Mandawari and intentionally passed through Kabara in front of the Kano Emir’s Palace.

“Hence, some elements allegedly linked to the 15th Emir’s entourage attacked the Palace,” the CSOs said, describing the silence from the police on the incident as alarming and tantamount to compromising the peace of the state.

“It is an action which could plunge the state into chaos and uncertainty, and therefore perceived to be a deliberate plan plotted by some unpatriotic elements.

“Verifiable sources provided the following report in the aftermath of the attack, whereby a Destruction of Police Vehicles: -Police Hilux Vehicle (NPF 182D) – Mopol 9   – Police Hilux Vehicle (NPF 195D) – Mopol 52. Vandalization of Property: – Motorcycle belonging to one Abdullahi Shehu (Police Officer) – Motorcycle belonging to one Ibrahim Isa (Security Marshal attached to the Emirate) – Emirate’s Main Iron Gate was severely vandalized, – Police Security Point at the Emir’s residence was shattered   Stolen Security Assets: -1 Full Set of Police Camouflage Uniform, – 1 Pair of Police Security Boots, – 1 Bullet Magazine which is a hazardous item now unaccounted for.

Individuals Injured: – Maigoma Danagundi, who is currently hospitalised at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital – Yunusa Babba, who is injured (Security Marshal)

– Special Constabulary Officer Murtala Muhammad, who sustained physical injuries.

The CSOs which urged the police to be more proactive, said, “In light of the above and the interest of peace, security, and public order in Kano State, we humbly call on the police to commence an immediate investigation into the attack and destruction of public property and the assault on law enforcement agents and civilians.

“Identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals responsible for leading and executing the attack. Recover all stolen police assets, especially the missing bullet magazine, which poses a serious security risk. Ensure the safety and security of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and his residence through increased deployment of security personnel.

“We urge the Security agencies in Kano to act swiftly and decisively in the interest of justice, security, and the stability of Kano State. The law must not be seen to shield impunity, nor should any individual, regardless of their title or influence, be allowed to endanger an entire population through calculated provocation or coordinated violence,” the statement added.