A fire swept through part of the popular Singer Market in Kano metropolis early Monday, destroying at least 25 temporary shops and 19 stores, the Kano State Fire Service said.
Spokesperson Saminu Abdullahi said in a statement on Tuesday that goods worth millions of naira were lost before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
The fire, which started around 5 a.m., was reported by a resident, Mubarak Muhammad, according to Abdullahi.
“Firefighters from various stations within the Kano metropolis responded to the call and found a one-storey building measuring about 150 by 150 feet, known as Alhaji Abdulmunafi Yunusa House, engulfed in flames,” he said.
Abdullahi said 25 temporary shops in front of the building and 19 stores on the upper floor were destroyed, but crews managed to prevent the fire from spreading to 24 nearby stores and all shops on the ground floor.
He said access to the scene was hampered by trailers parked around the market.
The blaze was believed to have been caused by a faulty electrical connection, starting from one of the attached temporary shops.
Abdullahi urged residents and traders to ensure proper electrical installations to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
Earlier this month, a separate fire gutted a petrol station in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, though no casualties were reported.
