A fire outbreak swept through the Fatima Simra Multi-Purpose Market situated within the Dakata Small Scale and Industry Multi-Purpose Market in the early hours of Friday, razing no fewer than 50 shops.
The spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, stating that the blaze began around 5:50 a.m. and that firefighters were still working to contain it.
He explained that the full extent of the destruction has yet to be determined, noting that investigations will commence soon to assess the damage.
Many of the affected stores reportedly deal in oil production as well as the recycling of nylon and plastic materials.
The incident occurred just days after a devastating inferno at Singer Market, which destroyed more than 1,000 shops and properties estimated to be worth over ₦5 billion, with several individuals reported missing.
Junaid Zakari, chairman of the market, described the previous fire as one of the worst disasters in the market’s history. He revealed that four residential buildings accommodating small-scale businesses were completely consumed by the flames.
“This is one of the darkest moments we have experienced in Singer Market. Properties worth over ₦5 billion have been lost,” Zakari stated.
“More than 1,000 shops and businesses have been affected, and the livelihoods of hundreds of families have been crippled.”
He appealed to government authorities, corporate bodies, and concerned individuals to provide support to affected traders.
“This tragedy will not be forgotten in the history of Singer Market. We are appealing to the government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals to come to our aid so that our people can stand on their feet again,” he said.
Governor Abba Yusuf later visited the market to evaluate the damage and commended security agencies and firefighters for their response. He also called on the Federal Government to assist with the provision of modern firefighting equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Singer Market remains one of the key commercial centres in the North-West state.