Fear has gripped residents of Daneji, a densely populated community in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, following the escape of an African rock python from the private residence of the embattled former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has triggered widespread anxiety, with many residents abandoning outdoor activities and demanding urgent government intervention.
“Since the python escaped, everyone has been living in fear. All the other animals in the house were evacuated on Tuesday,” he said.
Another resident, Rabi’u Isma’il, described the situation as “terrifying,” adding that many parents have stopped allowing their children to play outside. “We can’t sleep peacefully knowing that a giant snake is on the loose. It’s hiding somewhere,” he said.
Also speaking, Aisha Lawal, a mother of three, appealed to authorities to intervene swiftly. “This is not just about the snake, it’s about our safety. We need help before something tragic happens,” she warned.
The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into Idris’s possession of wild animals, including crocodiles and pythons, within the city centre. Confirming the development, Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, told Punch that Idris had been invited for questioning.
“We indeed invited the former AGF yesterday with regards to maintaining pets at his home, causing tension and pandemonium among residents,” Bakori stated.
He added that Idris had agreed to surrender all dangerous pets to the state zoological unit.
“We have dispatched an intelligence unit to the state zoology to confirm if the animals were truly surrendered and to investigate if any injuries or fatalities occurred due to the escaped python,” he added.