Goods and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed following a late-night fire outbreak at the Takumbo (fairly used items) market along Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano State.
The inferno, which occurred on Thursday night, reportedly started around 10:54 p.m., causing panic among traders as it spread rapidly through parts of the commercial area before firefighters brought it under control.
The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that its Emergency Response Unit received a distress call from a staff member, HFS Ibrahim Sabo, reporting a fire outbreak near FCMB Bank along Murtala Mohammed Way in Fagge Local Government Area.
According to the spokesperson of the service, Saminu Yusif, firefighters from the headquarters and other metropolitan stations were immediately deployed to the scene.
He said that upon arrival, operatives found a one-storey building and an adjoining open commercial space measuring about 300 by 200 feet already engulfed in flames.
âThe fire affected two offices, two parlours, two toilets and one kitchen on the upper floor. It also affected two stores located on the ground floor of TUSRAYS NIG. LTD,â the statement said.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire started from the salvage yard (Takumbo market) before spreading to other parts of the building.
The fire service attributed the incident to an electrical spark, adding that firefighters battled for hours to prevent the blaze from extending to nearby shops and buildings in the densely populated commercial area.
Eyewitnesses said several shops were completely destroyed, with goods such as furniture, carpets, mattresses, refrigerators, air conditioners, television sets and office equipment consumed by the fire.
The market, located between the DHL office and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), is a major hub for fairly used household and office items in Kano.
A trader affected by the incident described the fire as devastating, saying many business owners lost goods accumulated over several years.
âWe could only watch helplessly as firefighters tried to contain the fire. Several shops were completely burnt, and goods worth millions were lost,â he said.
The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, advised residents and traders to take fire safety precautions and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, affected traders have appealed to the state government, agencies, and private organisations for assistance, saying the incident has wiped out their livelihoods.