Kano Singer Market Fire: N5 Billion Loss, 7 Missing

The Singer Market in Kano has experienced repeated fires, with the latest inferno occurring on a Saturday afternoon, raising concerns about the market's safety and structural integrity. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, exacerbated by congested conditions and poorly planned layouts that hinder emergency response.

The Kano State Fire Service and private water tanker support from Aspira Nigeria Limited struggled to contain the blaze, which destroyed property worth N5 billion and affected 1,000 businesses, leaving seven people missing. Traders identified the high density of shops and the conversion of residential buildings into storage facilities as critical factors contributing to fire risks.

Additionally, faulty solar installations, particularly lithium batteries, were suspected to have triggered the latest fire. Despite previous efforts by the Kano State government to relocate large storage facilities to Dangwauro, traders resisted these moves, worsening congestion and fire hazards.

The urgent need for enforcing electrical standards and proper solar system installation was highlighted by market leaders.