Properties including shops worth billions of naira have been destroyed in fire outbreak at Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi market or Sabon Gari market in Kano State.
An eyewitness, who is also a trader, Auwal Yusuf said the accident started at about 11pm on Friday and consumed shops around the shoes, chemical and provisions sections of the market.
By 6.00am on Saturday, fire officilas were still battling with the inferno as it continues escalating to other sections. Fire-fighting vehicles from private companies have been deployed to the market to join the state fire service officials in quenching the blaze.
Traders were seen evacuating the remains of their items and goods that have not been consumed by the fire.
It was, however, observed that security was beefed up in and around the market to prevent hoodlums from looting traders’ properties.
Policemen, civil defence personel and members of vigilante groups were stationed at various entrances to the market.
