Kano's Singer Market Hit by Second Devastating Fire
A massive fire tore through Kano's Singer Market on February 14, 2026, destroying over N5 billion in goods and affecting more than 1,000 shops. This marks the second blaze at the market in less than two weeks, following a similar incident on February 2 that razed sections along Bello Road.
Fire Details
The inferno began around 4 p.m. on Saturday in the Gidan Gilas area and raged into the night, despite efforts by Kano State Fire Service, Federal teams, and private responders. Four residential buildings with businesses were destroyed, with seven people reported missing as searches continue. Traders salvaged what they could amid thick smoke, but the bustling food market—vital to northern commerce suffered immense losses.
Presidential Response
President Bola Tinubu condemned the "tragic" fire and ordered a comprehensive federal probe into the recurring incidents via his aide, Bayo Onanuga. He contacted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a situation report, pledged federal relief and reconstruction aid, and highlighted concerns over repeated blazes leaving traders in despair. The investigation will examine causes like electrical faults or arson, plus firefighting gaps.
Traders' Plight
Market chairman Junaid Zakari called it one of the worst tragedies in the market's history, with hundreds of families facing ruin from lost livelihoods. Governor Yusuf visited the site, mobilized NEMA aid, and urged federal support for modern equipment like aerial firefighting. Affected vendors appealed for urgent government and public assistance to rebuild.
