Late-Night Inferno Guts Kano Market, Destroys Shops and Offices Along Murtala Mohammed Way

A late-night fire outbreak has destroyed several shops and office spaces along Murtala Mohammed Way in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, affected the popular Takumbo Market, a salvage yard located near the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), leaving traders and business owners counting heavy losses.

According to reports, the fire started within the market before spreading rapidly to nearby commercial buildings in the busy business district.

The Kano State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 10:54 p.m. and immediately deployed firefighters from its headquarters and other stations across the metropolis to contain the blaze.

Emergency responders battled the flames for several hours, successfully preventing the fire from extending to additional buildings in the area. However, by the time firefighters arrived, the inferno had already engulfed a one-storey building and adjoining business premises.

Preliminary investigations by the Fire Service suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical spark.

The blaze reportedly destroyed a large quantity of goods stored at the salvage market before spreading to surrounding properties. Among the structures severely affected was the Kanawa Building, where offices, parlours and other facilities were extensively damaged.

Stores belonging to TUSRAYS Nigeria Limited, located on the ground floor of the building, were also affected by the fire.

On Friday, traders and business owners visited the scene to assess the extent of the destruction and salvage whatever remained of their property.

Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were recorded in the incident.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents and business owners to prioritise electrical safety by ensuring that wiring systems are properly installed and regularly maintained.

He also advised members of the public to promptly report fire outbreaks to emergency authorities to enable swift intervention and prevent incidents from escalating.