In an unusual turn of events, a python, a crocodile, and a lion cub have been evacuated from the residence of Ahmed Idris, the former Accountant General of the Federation, and transferred to the Kano Zoological Garden following a wave of public concern.
The evacuation followed reports that the python had escaped from Idris’ property, triggering panic among residents of Daneji, Mandawari, Kabara, and adjoining communities within the Kano metropolis.
Confirming the development in a radio interview on Sunday, the Managing Director of Kano Zoo, Sadik Kura Muhammad, said the animals are now safely housed at the zoo facility.
According to Muhammad, Ahmed Idris voluntarily handed over the animals to authorities in response to growing public fear over their presence.
He also emphasized that the animals were not considered an immediate threat, contrary to circulating fears.
“The python, crocodile, and cub were successfully evacuated from the premises,” Muhammad stated. “They are currently under our care and observation at the zoo.”
Muhammad clarified that the former AGF had acquired a legitimate license to keep such animals, citing provisions in the state’s Wild Animal Law.
“There’s a legal framework that permits individuals to domesticate specific wild animals, depending on whether they are endangered or not,” he said. “However, species classified as endangered — such as parrots and vultures — must strictly remain within zoological environments, not private homes.”
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He reiterated that, in this case, the animals in question had not posed any immediate danger to the public, but the evacuation became necessary due to rising anxiety among residents.
The incident has sparked reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief that such animals were being kept in a residential neighborhood.
Locals have also questioned how such a situation was allowed to persist, calling for tighter regulation and stricter monitoring of exotic animal ownership.
Some commentators have even linked the bizarre situation to broader concerns about privilege and lax enforcement of laws for the elite.
Authorities have since assured residents that no wild animals remain on the property and that there is no further threat to public safety.
The Kano Zoo has commenced medical examinations and proper housing arrangements for the animals, while investigations continue into how the python managed to escape in the first place.