Shops, goods destroyed as fire razes Kano market

A late-night fire has destroyed shops, storage facilities and six houses at the Kofar Wambai Market in Kano state.

The incident occurred on Friday night at Babban Layi, Yan Robobi section of the market.

‎According to the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Abdullahi, the Emergency Response Unit of the service received a distress call around 9:43 p.m. from Principal Fire Superintendent Usman Idris Fagge.

‎He said firefighters from the Service Headquarters, Rijiyar Zaki, Sabon Gari, Government House and Bompai stations rushed to the scene and battled the flames.

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On arrival, Abdullahi said they found a two-storey building measuring about 120 by 125 feet engulfed in fire.

‎He said, “The building, which housed plastic shops and storage facilities, was severely affected. Two shops on the ground floor, two on the first floor, six stores and four temporary stores on the upper floor were destroyed.

‎“The houses affected include Gidan Alhaji Sani, Gidan Sani Muhammad, Gidan Alhaji Kwa Kwa, Gidan Alhaji Shafi’u and Gidan Alhaji Sulaiman,” he added.

‎The PRO also said the fire started from the upper floor before spreading to the lower levels of the building.

‎The service also confirmed that the blaze was caused by a solar system installed in the building.

‎He also said the firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the market.

‎Director of the Agency, Alhaji Sani Anas, appealed to traders and residents to remain vigilant and adopt proactive fire safety measures.

He urged them to install fire detectors, keep functional extinguishers and ensure that safety precautions are observed at all times to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

‎This incident adds to the growing concern over market fire outbreaks in Kano, where traders have repeatedly suffered losses from similar disasters.

‎This year alone, the state has recorded about five market fire incidences, with Singer, the Kano’s popular commodity hub recording it twice.