Fire Strikes Kano Market Again Weeks After Inferno

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Kano — Panic gripped traders and residents on Saturday evening as a fresh fire outbreak erupted at Kwanar Singa Market in Kano, barely a week after a devastating inferno razed shops worth billions of naira at the city’s largest provision market.

The latest incident reportedly started from a two-storey commercial building popularly known as Gidan Glass, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and forcing shop owners and passersby to flee the area in panic.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly due to the nature of the materials stored in the building, raising concerns that nearby shops could also be affected. Traders were seen struggling to salvage goods while security operatives attempted to control the growing crowd.

Men of the Kano State Fire Service responded swiftly, deploying firefighting trucks and personnel to the scene. After hours of intense effort, the firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, preventing it from escalating into a wider market disaster.

Although no casualties were reported as of press time, the fire destroyed goods and properties whose value had yet to be ascertained. Officials from the fire service said investigations had begun to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, with preliminary findings indicating a possible electrical fault.

The incident has renewed concerns among traders and residents over the frequent occurrence of market fires in Kano State, particularly during the dry season. Many called on the government to intensify safety inspections, enforce building regulations, and improve emergency response infrastructure across major markets.

Some affected traders appealed for government intervention and financial support, noting that repeated fire incidents have continued to threaten their livelihoods and economic stability.

Authorities urged market users to adhere strictly to safety measures, including proper electrical wiring and the avoidance of storing highly flammable materials in congested commercial areas, as efforts continue to prevent further occurrences.