No fewer than 50 shops have been destroyed as fire gutted Fatima Simra Multi-Purpose Market in Dakata area of Kano State. The fire incident occured around 5:40 am on Friday, February 20, 2026.
The chairman of the market’s fire committee, Dauda Haruna Chula, confirming the incident to Daily Trust, explained that the affected shops were mainly small-scale businesses engaged in oil production, as well as recycling of plastics and nylon.
“From the preliminary what we have seen, about 50 shops are already down and the fire is still ongoing. We are still expecting the Kano State Fire Service personnel,” he said.
Chula noted that efforts were made to contact the fire service and other relevant agencies, adding that they had confirmed awareness of the incident.
“We did as much as we could to call them and inform them of the situation on the ground. I can hear the sound of their car right now,” he added.
The extent of damage and possible casualties is yet to be ascertained, but traders expressed concern over the delay in response by emergency services.
This is coming barely one week after a major fire incident affected over 1,000 traders at the Singer Market, still in Kano.
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday paid a sympathy visit to the market and donated N5 billion to the victims on behalf of the government.
Shettima, who described the incident as a national tragedy, said the loss was not only to Kano State but to the entire country.
He prayed for the victims and asked Allah to avert future disasters of such magnitude.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has also announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors have donated the sum of N3billion to the victims.
What measures do you think should be in place to curb incessant fire outbreaks in commercial areas across the country? Share your views in the comments.
COURTESY: Intelregion
