RALPH WENGE, CNN ANCHOR: In Nigeria, archaeologists are trying to figure out how to save some architectural treasures. Cities, such as Kano, that were built by the ethnic Hausa tribe in northern Nigeria are still surrounded by thick walls. The structures have survived invaders and the elements for more than 16 centuries. But today, they're falling victim to a more modern menace: vandalism. Nigeria's NTA has the story.</s>YUSUF JIBO, NTA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The city walls of Kano, about 40 square kilometers long. This is a feature of the Hausa states of northern Nigeria. There are seven of them. Each of the cities surrounded by walls of up to 15 meters high and about 6 meters thick. The reason for these massive walls is not far to seek. It was an effective way to keep invaders at bay. Most of the Hausas of that era were Ber (ph), Grano (ph), Kesana (ph), Dora (ph), and Kano, have survived long sieges this way, growing their food within the confines of the wall. At no particular intervals, several guests were constructed and each with a name. At almost 80 years old and blind, professor of oral history, Muhamad Elgidiyo (ph)</s>YUSUF MAITAMA SULE, KANO CITY ELDER: We have no sense of history, perhaps. And that is why we have allowed all these things to rot away. We shouldn't have.</s>YUSUF ABDULLAH, MUSEUM CURATOR: And the penalty includes payment of the cost of damage, either, twice the amount, or 12 months imprisonment or both. This is the penalty for encroachment on any certain sites among the Hausa states.</s>JIBO: Since its enactment, not a single person has been prosecuted, while the evidence of vandalization keeps mounting by the day. Yusuf Jibo, NTA News Nigeria, for CNN WORLD REPORT.
Architectural Treasures of Nigeria Being Threatened by Vandalism