Goods and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by a late-night fire outbreak at a fairly used items market along Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano on Thursday.
The inferno, which reportedly started around 10:00 p.m., spread through a large section of the market before it was eventually brought under control by firefighters.
The Kano State Fire Service said its Emergency Response Unit received a distress call from a staff member, HFS Ibrahim Sabo, reporting the fire outbreak near FCMB Bank along Murtala Mohammed Way, Fagge local government area.
A statement by the spokesman of the service, Saminu Yusif, said firefighters from the headquarters and other metropolitan stations were immediately deployed to the scene.
According to him, upon arrival, the firefighters discovered that a one-storey building and an adjoining open commercial area measuring about 300 by 200 feet had been engulfed by flames.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started from the salvage yard where a large quantity of properties was destroyed before spreading to the upper floor of the Kanawa Building.
“The fire affected two offices, two parlours, two toilets and one kitchen on the upper floor. It also affected two stores located on the ground floor of TUSRAYS NIG. LTD,” the statement added.
The fire service attributed the cause of the incident to an electric spark, while noting that firefighters worked for hours to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjoining buildings and businesses along the busy commercial area.
Eyewitnesses said the fire consumed several shops and valuable items, including furniture, carpets, mattresses, refrigerators, air conditioners, television sets, office equipment and interior decoration materials.
The affected market, located between the DHL office and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), is one of the major commercial centres in Kano for fairly used household and office items.
One of the affected traders who spoke to journalists, described the incident as a devastating blow to business owners, saying many traders lost goods accumulated over years.
“We could only watch helplessly as the firefighters battled to contain the fire. Several shops were completely burnt, and goods worth millions were lost,” he said.
The Director of Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, advised residents and business owners to take necessary precautions against fire outbreaks and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
The affected traders have appealed to the state government, relevant agencies, corporate organisations and individuals for support, saying the disaster had affected their means of livelihood and left many uncertain about restarting their businesses.
