Several shops were destroyed and goods lost as fire incident on Saturday night razed the popular Kantin Kwari textile market in the Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Several shops were destroyed and goods lost as fire incident on Saturday night razed the popular Kantin Kwari textile market in the Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State.
Reports indicate that the inferno, which started at about 7 pm, began at Gidan Inuwa Mai Mai Bayajidda Street and affected a number of buildings in the middle of the market. Prompt intervention by the state fire authorities and private establishments however prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the market.
Chairman of the traders’ association, Balarabe Tatari, who confirmed the incident explained that the quick intervention by the Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, private companies, and reinforcements from Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets prevented the fire from escalating.
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“The prompt intervention of the Kano State Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, and reinforcements from private companies, Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets put out the fire,” the Punch quoted him as saying.
He said personnel from the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant authorities were on the ground to provide security around the market.
Tatari decried the congestion and lack of access roads, which he said was the major reason why the fire escalated before the arrival of the firefighting vehicles.
He urged the state government to redouble efforts towards removing structures that obstruct movement and block drainage in the market.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident, said he had yet to obtain details on the inferno.
“Yes, there was a fire outbreak in the Kantin Kwari market, but we’re yet to receive details from our personnel who are still there. As soon as we get details, we will get back to you,” Abdullahi said.