At least seven traders are currently declared missing following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano State, as market leaders confirm that properties worth more than ₦5 billion are destroyed in the inferno.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Chairman of the Singer Market Development Association (SIMDA), Barrister Junaidu M. Zakari, discloses the development while briefing journalists on the scale of destruction caused by the fire. He confirms that seven individuals remain unaccounted for, with investigations ongoing to determine their whereabouts and establish whether they are alive or dead.
Singer Market, one of the busiest commercial hubs in Kano, serves as a major centre for wholesale and retail trade, supporting thousands of small-scale entrepreneurs. The fire outbreak sends shockwaves across the state, raising concerns over market safety, fire prevention infrastructure, and the economic impact on traders and their families.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, Zakari describes the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the history of Singer Market. He estimates that goods, shops, warehouses, and residential buildings valued at over ₦5 billion are reduced to ashes. According to him, four residential buildings that house numerous small businesses are completely razed during the incident.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire burns through the night, spreading rapidly across shops and storage facilities. Thick smoke engulfs the area as traders scramble to salvage goods, equipment, and personal belongings. Many shop owners are seen helplessly watching as flames consume years of investment and hard work.
Further details obtained by Mediaplusng.com reveal that more than 100 shops and over 50 warehouses are affected by the inferno. Each warehouse reportedly contains goods worth millions of naira, compounding the scale of financial devastation. Market officials say the fire’s intensity makes it difficult for immediate containment, leading to widespread destruction before emergency responders fully control the situation.
Zakari explains that the seven missing persons are traders and workers linked to the market. He states that security agencies and emergency responders are actively investigating to determine the cause of the fire and trace the whereabouts of those declared missing. Authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming casualties.
The Chairman stresses that hundreds of families who depend on Singer Market for their daily livelihood are now thrown into economic uncertainty. He notes that goods ranging from textiles and provisions to electronics and household supplies are completely destroyed. Equipment and storage facilities are also damaged beyond repair.
Zakari calls the incident a historic tragedy for the market community and underscores the urgent need for government intervention, humanitarian support, and financial assistance to help affected traders rebuild their businesses. He appeals to corporate organisations, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist victims in recovering from the disaster.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, visits the scene while the fire is still raging. Market leaders commend the governor for his swift response and solidarity with victims. According to Zakari, the governor’s presence demonstrates empathy and concern for the welfare of traders affected by the disaster.
Emergency management officials and security agencies continue investigations into the possible cause of the inferno. Preliminary assessments focus on electrical faults, storage practices, and fire safety compliance within the densely populated commercial area. However, authorities state that a comprehensive report will be released after detailed examination.
The incident highlights broader concerns about fire safety standards in major Nigerian markets. Experts point to the need for improved infrastructure, accessible fire hydrants, proper electrical installations, and emergency preparedness training for traders and market unions.
Singer Market plays a vital role in Kano’s local economy and the wider northern Nigeria trade network. The destruction of shops and warehouses is expected to disrupt supply chains, affect commodity prices, and strain the financial stability of small and medium-scale enterprises operating within the market.
Affected traders continue to sift through debris, hoping to recover any salvageable goods. Many express shock at the speed and scale of the destruction. Some say they lose their entire capital base, while others recount how the flames spread rapidly from one section of the market to another.
Community leaders emphasise the importance of accurate casualty verification as families search for missing relatives. Authorities maintain that efforts are underway to confirm the identities and status of the seven individuals declared missing.
The Kano market fire adds to a growing list of commercial fire incidents across Nigeria, raising urgent questions about urban planning, emergency response systems, and insurance coverage for small businesses. Stakeholders call for stronger enforcement of building codes and safety regulations in densely populated markets.
As investigations continue, traders and residents await official findings on the cause of the blaze. For now, the focus remains on search efforts, damage assessment, and mobilising support for victims whose livelihoods are severely impacted.
The Singer Market inferno stands as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of informal business clusters to large-scale disasters. With losses exceeding ₦5 billion and seven persons still missing, the Kano market community faces a long road to recovery as calls intensify for coordinated relief and structural reforms to prevent future tragedies.
