Fire Guts Shops in Popular Nigerian Market, Causes Panic Among Traders

A devastating fire incident occurred on Saturday night at the Kantin Kwari textile market in the Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. The blaze started at around 7 pm, affecting several shops in the middle of the market on Gidan Inuwa Mai Mai Bayajidda Street.

Thankfully, the quick intervention of the Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, private companies, and reinforcements from nearby markets, including Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets, prevented the fire from spreading further. According to Balarabe Tatari, chairman of the traders’ association, the combined efforts of the firefighting services and reinforcements successfully put out the fire.

Personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant authorities were present at the scene to maintain security. Tatari highlighted the congestion and lack of access roads in the market as the primary reason the fire escalated before firefighters arrived.

He urged the state government to prioritize efforts to remove structures obstructing movement and drainage in the market, emphasizing the importance of improving market infrastructure.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident but clarified that they were still gathering details from personnel who responded to the scene.

“Yes, there was a fire outbreak in the Kantin Kwari market, but we’re yet to receive details from our personnel who are still there. As soon as we get details, we will get back to you,” Abdullahi said.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and infrastructure improvements in crowded markets.