Emir of Nigeria’s northern city of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero narrowly escaped death on Saturday in the heart Of his kingdom as his convoy was attacked by unidentified gunmen who fired shots at it.The 83 year old Emir was returning to his palace after attending a religious function at Massalachin Murtala.
“There was an unfortunate incident today. The Emir’s convoy was attacked by unknown gunmen as he was returning from Koranic graduation ceremony in Kano city. Three people in his convoy were killed but the Emir is unhurt,” Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor of kano state said today.
Eyewitness account said the attack came after Palace Guards fired the traditional shots heralding the Emir’s exit from the event.
“After the traditional gun shots, we started hearing strange gun shots and people ran for dear lives.It was a terrible experience and the worst on the Emir. We praise Allah that he spared the
life of our Royal Father,” said an eyewitness.
life of our Royal Father,” said an eyewitness.
The incident has further increased tension in the Volatile city, with sporadic attacks since the killing Campaign of Islamic militants, the Boko Haram began in the city last year January when close to 200 people were killed in coordinated multiple attacks on the ancient city.
“I went to the palace soon after the incident where I met and spoke with the emir. He is well and he has not been hurt,” said Kwankwaso, a former defence minister.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
A palace official who requested anonymity said that at least 14 people, including two of Bayero’s sons, were wounded in the attack.
“Twelve people have been taken to two hospitals with gunshot wounds from the attack. Two of the emir’s sons were also injured,” he told AFP.
The attack came on the eve of the first anniversary of the deadliest attack ever by the Islamist sect Boko Haram in Kano, the largest city in Nigeria’s north, in which at least 185 people were killed.
It is also the third such attack by gunmen on Muslim figures in northern Nigeria since last July, when the shehu, or monarch, of Borno narrowly escaped death in a suicide bombing that claimed five lives.
The following month, the emir of Fika in neighbouring Yobe state also escaped a suicide attack by a suspected Islamist. The emir’s bodyguard was killed, while several others were wounded.
Emir Bayero is one of the few respected Nigerian monarchs.
He will celebrate his 50th year on the throne this year.He mounted the throne in 1963 as the 13th Fulani Emir from a diplomatic world. He was Nigeria’s former ambassador to Senegal and succeeded his father Abdullahi Bayero dan Muhammad Abbas. Bayero is the 13th Fulani emir since the Fulani War of Usman dan Fodio, when the Fulani took over the Hausa city-states.