Kano: N5bn Worth of Properties Destroyed in Singer Market Fire, Seven People Missing

 

A massive fire has gutted parts of the Singer Market in Kano, destroying properties valued at an estimated ₦5 billion and leaving seven people unaccounted for, officials and eyewitnesses say.

The blaze, which started in the early hours of Sunday, February 15, 2026, quickly spread through the busy commercial hub, consuming shops, warehouses, and goods stored by traders. Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke and bright flames as business owners and residents rushed to salvage whatever they could before flames engulfed entire sections of the market.

According to early assessments by officials, the estimated ₦5 billion loss reflects damage to stock, buildings and equipment belonging to dozens of traders and artisans. Many shop owners said they lost life savings, inventory and vital equipment used to sustain their livelihoods.

Emergency responders — including personnel from the Nigeria Fire Service and local disaster management agencies — battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. Eyewitnesses said poor access routes within the market and limited water supply initially slowed firefighting efforts.

Traders and bystanders also helped evacuate people and goods from nearby areas in the early stages, but six traders and one passerby remain missing, according to early reports from the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Search efforts are ongoing, with security officials urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward.

The state government has formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire and to coordinate relief efforts for affected traders. Governor Abba Yusuf has expressed condolences to victims and directed relevant agencies to provide emergency support, including medical attention for the injured and temporary shelter for displaced business owners.

Many traders have appealed for government intervention, calling for financial assistance, soft loans, and reconstruction support to help them rebuild after the devastating blaze.

Officials and community leaders say the full scale of the damage will become clearer once assessments are completed, but early estimates already point to significant economic loss for hundreds of families whose income depended on the market.