Inferno razes Jama’a Emir’s palace in Kafanchan
…Senator Katung commiserates, seeks stronger emergency response An inferno on Friday evening gutted parts of the palace of the Emir of Jama’a in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna
…Senator Katung commiserates, seeks stronger emergency response
An inferno on Friday evening gutted parts of the palace of the Emir of Jama’a in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, destroying four flats and triggering panic within the historic royal residence.
The affected section, sources said, formed part of the wing occupied by the emir’s mother at the palace of Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu II.
The fire reportedly started in the early evening while the household was preparing for Magrib prayers, sending shockwaves across the palace and surrounding neighbourhood.
Journalists who visited the scene, observed that, smouldering debris and visible burn marks dotted the affected structure, with sections of the building badly charred and household items reduced to ashes.
Residents and sympathisers thronged the palace in solidarity with the emir and members of the royal family as news of the incident spread across Kafanchan.
Witnesses said officials of the Kaduna State Fire Service in Kafanchan responded to a distress call but were unable to immediately contain the blaze as their pumping machine reportedly failed to start upon arrival.
The delay, sources added, hampered early firefighting efforts, allowing the fire to spread and consume four flats before additional support was mobilised.
Volunteers and security personnel were said to have joined hands to salvage property and prevent the flames from spreading to other sections of the palace complex.
Although no casualty was recorded as of the time of filing this report, the incident caused significant material damage within the revered palace.
Authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the fire or the estimated value of losses, leaving residents speculating over the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
Reacting to the development, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents Kaduna South Senatorial District, expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the emir and the Jama’a Emirate.
The senator described the incident as painful, noting the cultural, historical and emotional significance of the palace to the Jama’a people and the wider Southern Kaduna community.
Katung in a statement signed by his spokesman, Midat Joseph, particularly lamented the destruction of the wing occupied by the emir’s mother but thanked Almighty Allah for the absence of casualties, describing it as divine protection over the royal household.
He commended security personnel, volunteers and sympathisers for their swift intervention, saying their actions reflected the deep respect for the throne and unity among the people.
On behalf of his constituents, the lawmaker reaffirmed unwavering support and prayers for the emirate, even as residents called for improved emergency response capacity to forestall similar incidents in the future.
