Only six shops were completely razed during the Saturday night fire incident at the popular Kantin Kwari Textile Market in Kano State.
The chairman of the Market Traders Association, Ambassador Balarabe Tatari, who confirmed the number of affected shops to our correspondent on Sunday, said there were however some shops that were affected by smoke during the incident.
“Only six shops were destroyed during the Saturday night fire at the market but there were some shops that were affected by smoke and the wares inside have been removed,” he said.
On the loss incurred by the affected traders, Tatari said they were still trying to verify what was lost by the affected traders.
“We are trying to assess the damage or losses and as soon as we conclude the assessment, we shall notify you,” he said.
PUNCH Metro reports that the inferno which occurred at about 7 pm, started at Gidan Inuwa Mai Mai Bayajidda Street and affected many buildings in the market.
No life was lost during the incident as the quick intervention of the Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, private companies and reinforcement from Sabon Gari, Dawanau and Singa Markets prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the market.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep shock and heartfelt sympathy over the tragic fire incident.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, the governor extended his sympathies to the affected traders, their families, and the entire Kano State.
He described the incident as a devastating blow to the state’s economic hub and shared in the grief of those who suffered losses.
“Thanks to the rapid intervention of the Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, and additional reinforcements from Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa markets, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further destruction,” the statement said.
He called on all market stakeholders to work together in prioritising safety and implementing necessary measures to avoid the recurrence of such unfortunate events.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to standing with the affected traders during this challenging time and assured them of the government’s support in mitigating the effects of the incident.
