On Saturday night, several shops at Kano’s popular Kantin Kwari textile market were destroyed by fire causing panic among traders.

The blaze, which erupted around 7 p.m. on Gidan Inuwa Mai Mai Bayajidda Street, spread to multiple buildings in the heart of the market.

Balarabe Tatari, chairman of the traders’ association, confirmed that the swift intervention by the Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, and private companies, along with reinforcements from Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets, helped contain the situation, PUNCH reports.

“The prompt intervention of the Kano State Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, and reinforcements from private companies, Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets put out the fire,” he said.

Tatari expressed concerns about the market’s congestion and lack of proper access roads, blaming these factors for the fire’s initial escalation before the firefighting vehicles could arrive.

Personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and other authorities were deployed to secure the market area.

He also called on the state government to intensify efforts in removing structures that block movement and drainage in the market.

When reached for comment, Saminu Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, confirmed the fire incident.