Residents of Daneji in the Kano Municipal Local Government Area are gripped with fear following the escape of an African rock python from the private residence of former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmad Idris.
The incident which occurred recently has left the densely populated area in a state of anxiety, as the snake remains at large.
A local resident, Nurulhaq Kabir Muhammad, confirmed the development to The PUNCH.
“Since the python escaped, everyone has been living in fear. All the other animals in the house were evacuated on Tuesday,” he said.
Others in the community have echoed similar concerns over the missing reptile.
Rabi’u Isma’il described the situation as frightening, stating, “We can’t sleep peacefully knowing that a giant snake is on the loose and hiding somewhere. Many of us have stopped allowing our children to play outside.”
Another resident, Aisha Lawal, a mother of three, called for swift action by relevant authorities. “This is not just about the snake – it’s about our safety. We need help before something tragic happens,” she said.
The Kano State Police Command has since launched an investigation into Idris for harboring exotic and potentially dangerous animals, including pythons and crocodiles, within a residential area.
Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori confirmed the matter, stating, “It is true we have invited the former AGF yesterday with regards to maintaining pets at his home, causing tension and pandemonium among residents.”
He added that Idris had agreed to surrender all such animals to the state zoology garden, while investigations are ongoing to assess any potential harm caused by the escaped python. “We have since dispatched an Intelligent Unit of the Command to the State Zoology to ascertain the facts of if the former AGF has truly surrendered the pets to them and to also find out whether anybody sustained injuries or even death from the escaped python from his house,” Bakori explained.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has also stepped in, addressing Idris during a meeting with concerned residents. The traditional ruler issued a stern warning, stressing that the former federal official would be held accountable should any harm result from his exotic pets.
This latest controversy adds to public scrutiny of Idris, who was previously arrested and charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged misappropriation of N109 billion during his time in office under the Buhari administration.
