A major fire outbreak has destroyed properties estimated at more than ₦5 billion at Singer Market in Kano, with seven persons reported missing, according to market officials and emergency responders.
The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the day, engulfed several sections of the market, affecting over 1,000 shops and stalls. Traders said large quantities of goods, including textiles and other merchandise, were consumed before firefighters were able to bring the situation under control.
Chairman of the market association said preliminary assessments put the value of destroyed goods and property at approximately ₦5 billion. He added that seven individuals were unaccounted for as of the latest update.
Officials of the Kano State Fire Service confirmed that emergency teams were deployed to the scene to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings. The cause of the incident has not yet been officially determined.
Reports by the News Agency of Nigeria and major Nigerian outlets including Vanguard and Leadership cited market authorities in confirming the scale of destruction and the number of missing persons.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire.
