Gunmen attack Emir of Kano

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Saturday, escaped death by the whiskers after unidentified gunmen rained bullets on his convoy, killing three of his aides in the surprise attack. The tragic incident occurred at about 10.35 am as the highly revered traditional ruler of Kano was returning from an Islamic graduation ceremony (Saukan Karatu) which took place at Murtala Mohammed mosque (Masallaci Murtala) in Hausawa Quarters of the state capital.
Three of the Emir’s aides were shot dead in the attack. However, there were suggestions by witnesses that in addition to the three confirmed dead victims, at least one person, unrelated to the Emir also died as a result of the attack. The Emir’s official limousine was sprayed with bullets by the gunmen who allegedly “came on motorcycles and some came in a car.” The gunmen escaped in the confusion that trailed their attack as the whole residential area of Hausawa Quarters by Zoo Road was thrown into pandemonium following the attack.
It was gathered that among those injured in the attack was the son of the Emir, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero (Turakin Kano). He, it was, who moved the Emir of Kano away from the troubled scene back to the safety of the palace. Dressed in a yellow kaftan, Alhaji Nasiru was spotted at the palace of his father with blood stains on his leg, shortly after the attack. Also injured was a police officer formerly attached to the intelligence unit of the Command, Inspector Datti Ahmed was shot on his leg by the gunmen and was undergoing treatment in an unnamed hospital in the state. Palace sources said that the Emir’s official driver, Alhaji Barde Sarkin Ruwa, was killed in the ambush.
An aide (dogari) in charge of the Emir’s official convoy, Alhaji Ahmadu Mohammed was also confirmed killed in the attack. A third aide, who is also believed to have died, was simply identified as Kone Bala Dan Muri. Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has since paid an official visit to the Emir, who received him at the palace. Speaking to reporters at the palace, he assured the people of the state that the Emir was hale and hearty, but regretted the death of the three aides.