Fire at Singer Market: Seven Missing, ₦5 Billion in Damage

A fire incident at the Singer Market in Kano has resulted in significant property losses estimated at over ₦5 billion, impacting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven individuals unaccounted for.

The market's chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, shared these details with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Sunday.

Zakari characterized the event as one of the most catastrophic incidents in the market's history, as four residential buildings that housed small enterprises were completely destroyed.

In total, goods, equipment, and personal valuables were entirely consumed by the flames, severely disrupting the livelihoods of numerous families.

As of the time of reporting, Zakari indicated that seven individuals had been reported missing. He further emphasized that investigations are underway to ascertain their current status, whether they are alive or deceased.

Additionally, he stated that emergency responders and security personnel are actively working to discover the cause of the fire.

Zakari lamented that this tragic event would leave a lasting impression in the market's history, underscoring the urgent requirement for support to help affected traders rebuild their enterprises.

He also praised Governor Abba Yusuf for promptly visiting the site during the outbreak, expressing gratitude for the governor's concern and support for the victims.

As the investigation into the origins of the blaze continues, impacted traders are seen attempting to salvage remnants of their belongings.

Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shopkeeper, reported a loss of goods worth over ₦200 million, stating, 'From God we come, to Him we shall return.' He expressed heartbreak over the destruction of his business assets valued in billions.

Similarly, Musa Ibrahim, another market trader, recounted his experience, revealing that he lost over ₦340 million due to the fire's devastation. 'The fire consumed everything we had,' he lamented, gesturing towards his burned shop remains. (NAN)