KANO: A fresh fire outbreak has devastated Singer Market in Kano State, destroying goods estimated at over ₦5 billion, affecting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons reportedly missing.
The market chairman said the blaze ranks among the worst disasters in the market’s history, noting that several residential buildings used for small-scale trading were completely razed.
Traders reportedly lost goods, equipment and other valuables, leaving many families facing severe economic hardship.
Emergency teams, including the Kano State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service, battled the inferno for hours while traders struggled to salvage what they could.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and to confirm the fate of those still unaccounted for.
During a visit to the scene, Abba Yusuf commended responders and urged calm among residents. He also appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria for improved firefighting support, including modern equipment and possible air assistance to prevent future disasters.
The latest incident occurred barely two weeks after another destructive blaze swept through sections of the market, destroying large quantities of goods.
Following that earlier fire, political figures such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi visited the market to express solidarity with affected traders.
Authorities say a full assessment of the damage from the latest fire is underway, while government agencies have pledged continued engagement with traders to reduce fire risks across major commercial centers.
