Eid-Kabir tragedy: Over 300 shops razed in Kano GSM market fire

DDM News

A severe fire outbreak erupted at the Farm Center GSM Market in Kano on Eid-Kabir Day, destroying hundreds of shops and leaving traders in anguish.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the fire, which began around 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 16, 2024, tore through the popular mobile phone market located in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the blaze started in a section known as the Dan Sileka building, a central area within the market known for housing high-value mobile phone and accessories shops.

More than 300 shops were razed by the inferno, causing losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of naira, with traders watching helplessly as their livelihoods went up in flames.

The Kano State Fire Service responded swiftly to the distress calls and worked tirelessly to contain the fire before it could spread to adjacent areas.

Despite their prompt intervention, the intensity of the flames led to massive destruction, with thick smoke and fire consuming virtually everything in its path.

The fire service’s timely response has been widely commended by both market authorities and local government officials.

Adamu Iliyasu Hotoro, the Information Officer for Tarauni Local Government, confirmed that the Executive Chairman of the Council, Ahmed Sekure, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident began.

Sekure was visibly moved by the scale of destruction and expressed sympathy to the affected traders, offering heartfelt prayers for divine intervention and speedy recovery.

He described the incident as a painful loss to the local economy and urged immediate efforts to investigate the cause of the fire.

Sekure also called for the installation of proactive safety measures and emergency infrastructure within the market to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In a joint statement, Ambassador Jamilu Bala Gama, Chairman of the Farm Center GSM Traders Association, and Abdula’ziz Usman Mai Tabarma, the Market’s Managing Director, praised Sekure’s swift visit and empathetic stance.

They described his presence as comforting at a time when many traders were still reeling from shock and despair.

Gama and Tabarma further expressed gratitude to the fire service personnel for risking their lives to combat the flames, preventing what could have been an even greater disaster.

The market officials disclosed that a team has been set up to assess the full extent of the damages and work with authorities to unravel the exact cause of the fire.

Initial reports have ruled out electrical faults, leading some traders to suspect sabotage or negligence, although no official confirmation has been made.

The incident has thrown hundreds of families into economic distress, with many traders lamenting the loss of goods purchased on credit for Sallah sales.

Traders affected by the fire are calling for immediate government support and intervention to enable them to recover from the catastrophe.

Many of the victims, who had borrowed money or taken loans to stock their shops for the Sallah rush, now face financial ruin and uncertainty.

Some of the traders who spoke with DDM said they had no insurance coverage, compounding the tragedy and making recovery more difficult.

Security personnel were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident to prevent looting and maintain order as emergency responders worked through the wreckage.

Traders and sympathizers gathered around the charred remains of the market, some in tears, others in disbelief as they recounted what had been lost.

The Kano State Government is yet to release an official statement detailing its plans for relief or support to the affected business owners.

However, local NGOs and community leaders are said to be mobilizing resources to assist victims with temporary relief materials and possible rehabilitation plans.

This tragic incident has once again raised concerns over the lack of fire safety infrastructure in many of Nigeria’s open-air markets.

Many markets across the country continue to operate without fire alarms, hydrants, or emergency exit routes, increasing the risk of widespread devastation during emergencies.

The Eid-Kabir fire in Kano has become a grim reminder of the urgent need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s commercial centers.

As investigations continue, market authorities are appealing to the government and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent support and long-term solutions.

Meanwhile, prayers are being offered across the community for those affected, with hopes that the coming days will bring relief, recovery, and a renewed sense of purpose.

For the traders of Farm Center GSM Market, Eid-Kabir 2024 will be remembered notfor celebration, but for the ashes of loss it left behind.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook