The Managing Director (MD) of Kano Zoo, Sadik Kura Muhammad, has confirmed that a python which escaped from the residence of former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has been recovered and evacuated along with other wild animals to the zoo.
While confirming this Muhammad noted that the python’s escape caused significant panic among residents of Daneji and neighboring communities, including Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki.
He disclosed that a crocodile and a lion cub were also found on the property, locals expressed that they had been unable to sleep peacefully until the python was recaptured.
He said, “There is a law called the wild animal law, which permits individuals to keep certain wild animals in their homes. These may include endangered and non endangered species.
“However, endangered species those facing extinction, such as parrots and vultures must only be kept in zoos to support their reproduction and survival, not for personal amusement.
“When I heard about the situation, I verified that he had a license and that the lion was still a cub, posing no harm. But once such animals reach a certain age, they must be transferred to the zoo.
“That’s why the license must be renewed annually to ensure safety. Before any animal becomes potentially harmful, it should already be in our custody.
“I visited the residence and confirmed the animals had not yet reached a dangerous stage.
“However, due to concerns raised by neighbours, the former AGF decided to surrender all the animals to the government. We collected them, and they are now safely housed at Kano Zoo.
“We conducted the evacuation at night, so there is no cause for alarm.”
The Kano state Commissioner of Police (CP), Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, also confirmed that an investigation is underway and that Idris, the former AGF, has been invited for questioning.
This followed his voluntary surrender of the animals to the zoo, prompted by widespread public concern, authorities affirmed that Idris had a valid license for keeping the animals and that they posed no immediate danger at the time.
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