A devastating inferno engulfed Singa Market in Kano State, raging from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday and causing widespread destruction. This incident marks the second major fire outbreak at the popular market in less than two weeks, with a previous occurrence reported on February 2. Singa Market, also referred to as Singer Market in some official statements, is recognized as the largest commodity market in Kano and northern Nigeria, serving as a crucial hub for provision wares and foodstuff to numerous northern states and even neighboring West and Central African countries.

The fire reportedly started from a provision shop within the Gidan Gilas section of the market, situated along Ado Bayero Road by Murtala Muhammad Way. Eyewitnesses described the rapid spread of the blaze, noting thick black smoke billowing into the sky and causing panic among traders and shoppers. One trader, Nasir Maharazu, recounted seeing the entire two-storey building consumed by flames, asserting that this fire was even more severe than the previous one. Efforts by traders and residents to salvage their goods were often hampered by the intense heat and smoke as the fire quickly engulfed adjoining structures.

The scale of the damage is immense, with properties worth over N5 billion destroyed and more than 1,000 businesses affected. Four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses were completely razed. The inferno decimated countless goods, equipment, and valuables, profoundly impacting the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Individual traders reported staggering losses, with one shop owner, Alhaji Isa Abubakar, losing goods worth over N200 million, and another, Musa Ibrahim, estimating his losses at over N340 million. Tragically, the market’s Chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed that seven persons were declared missing as of the time of reporting, with investigations ongoing to ascertain their whereabouts.

Emergency responders, including officials from the Kano State Fire Service and security agencies, battled tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent its further spread. Despite initial challenges with water supply, additional fire trucks and a private water tanker from Aspira Nigeria Limited reinforced the operation. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf promptly visited the scene of the Gidan Gilas section while the fire was still active. He commended the efforts of the fire service and security agencies, urging traders and residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders. Governor Yusuf also appealed for the Federal Government's intervention, requesting modern firefighting equipment, air support, and essential tools to strengthen the capacity of fire services to effectively respond to emergencies in major commercial centers.

The devastating incident drew the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who expressed his deep sympathy with the affected traders and residents. In a statement, the President described the incident as tragic, noting his concern over the recurring nature of such fires, particularly as it followed another outbreak less than two weeks prior. President Tinubu confirmed he had contacted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a firsthand situation report and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the causes of these repeated fires. He stressed the urgent need for decisive measures to prevent future occurrences and assured affected traders of the Federal Government's concern and support during the recovery efforts.

Adding to the chorus of concern and solidarity, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kano State Chapter, expressed shock at the magnitude of destruction and conveyed heartfelt sympathies to traders who lost billions in both the recent inferno and the previous one on February 2. Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, chairman of the forum, commended the swift response of the Kano State Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other first responders. The ACF called upon both the Federal and Kano State governments to develop and implement strategic interventions aimed at preventing future occurrences of such devastating incidents, urging authorities to enhance safety standards and emergency preparedness in major markets across the state.

As investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the fire, the profound economic and social impact on Kano's vibrant commercial community is undeniable. The recurring nature of these market fires underscores an urgent need for concerted efforts from all levels of government and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions, ensuring enhanced safety measures and robust emergency preparedness to protect vital economic hubs like Singa Market from future tragedies.