Fire destroys N5bn goods in Kano market

Goods estimated to be valued at N5bn were destroyed at the popular Singer Market in Kano on Thursday.

The inferno, which occurred at the early hours of Thursday morning, according to an eyewitness account, also destroyed many shops and some warehouses.

One of the victims of the fire incident, who craved anonymity, described the incident as a challenge, adding that sooner than later, those affected by the disaster would overcome the huge losses they suffered.

He called on the state government to come to the aid of the victims so as to re-establish their respective business enterprises

Commenting on the disaster, the Chairman of the market, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, said the fire outbreak consumed no fewer than 200 shops.   He also said that as of 8am on Thursday, fire-fighters battled to bring the fire to control.

The majority of those whose shops were razed, however, commended the efforts of the official of the Kano State Fire Service for their swift response.

In another development, Sisters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria trooped en masse on Thursday in Kano demanding   the unconditional release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakyzaky, who is still in detention.

According to reports, the protest march organised by the placard carrying sisters took place.

The protesters, it was learnt ,marched through major streets, including Kofar Mata, Popular Kantin kwari textile market.

At the end of the protest, Sister Hajira Ayuba and Sister Maryam Mohammed Mahamoud, who represented those that lost their parents in detention, reiterated their earlier position for the release of El=Zakay zaky.

They also called for the remains of those killed during the sect’s face-off with the military in Zaria.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday conveyed his sympathised with victims of the fire outbreak at Singa Market.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari was saddened by the destruction of goods and other valuables in the inferno.

The statement read in part, “The President shares in the pain and anguish of all hardworking Nigerians who lost their wares and belongings in the unfortunate fire incident.

“He assures those who suffered losses from the fire incident that the Federal Government will do all within its powers to support the efforts of the Kano State government to ameliorate their plight.”

“He assures those who suffered losses from the fire incident that the Federal Government will do all within its powers to support the efforts of the Kano State government to ameliorate their plight.”