The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, was yesterday flown out of the country for medical checks, following last Saturday’s gunmen attack. The trip is coming barely 24 hours after some unidentified gunmen attacked his convoy in the state capital, killing three of his aides, three other persons and injuring others. The monarch departed Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (MAKIA), at about 1.45pm.

He was flown to London in a chartered flight, believed to have been made available by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. He was accompanied on the trip by two of his injured sons, namely the Hakimi Nassarawa, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero (Turakin Kano), who was shot on his leg, and the Hakimi Gwale, Alhaji Lamido Ado Bayero, who was badly pushed by the neck during the attack. Both sons, it is believed, would take advantage of the trip abroad to rest and also treat themselves.

Others that went with the monarch were Alhaji Ojudu Sanusi, who was described as an uncle to the CBN governor, as well as his private secretary, Alhaji Bala Isah. A special prayer was held for the Emir at the Kano Central Mosque in the state capital. The special prayer, which was held amid tight security, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, all members of the Kano State Emirate Council as well as hundreds of personalities in the state.

The special prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Kano State, Prof. Sani Zaharadeen, who prayed for peace to return to the state and the country. The emir, in his brief remarks, directed all the district heads, Imams and Ulmas to continue to organise the special prayers in their respective areas and domains. He also charged Ulmas and Imams to organise and conduct prayers during Juma’at services. Similarly, the Deputy Governor appealed to the people to support and co-operate with the state government and security agencies in their efforts for a peaceful state.

It was immediately after the special prayer that the Emir drove down to the airport. The emir was badly shaken when he was attacked on his way back from an Islamic graduation ceremony (Saukan Karatu) ,which took place at Murtala Mohammed Mosque (Masallaci Murtala) in Hausawa Quarters of the state capital. Meanwhile, there are indications that two suspects may have been arrested by the police over the attack, a competent security source hinted in Kano yesterday.

The source said police were making progress, adding that the suspected gang members might have entered the state from Borno. He noted that the two detainees were being interrogated. Meanwhile, the mood in the ancient city of Kano remained dull and sober yesterday over the emir’s attack and the fear of a repeat of the January 20, 2012 operations by Boko Haram, which killed 185 people. Several churches in the state capital held memorial services for their members, who were killed in the attacks by the sect a year ago.

Places of worship like Baptist Church, Kano, as well as St. Louis Catholic Church, Bompai, Kano, were visited by Daily Sun. At St. Loius, Church Kano, a special prayer was held for the soul of the late ASP James Itodo (also the head of the security committee of the Church), who was killed while trying to return to the church premises to protect their members, who were trapped.