Kano Singer Market Fire: Traders’ Chairman Points to Solar or Electrical Fault as Possible Cause

A devastating fire has ripped through Singer Market in Kano, destroying multiple sections of the bustling commercial hub and leaving traders counting heavy losses.

The chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaidu Muhammadu Zakari, described the incident as a painful ordeal for business owners and the wider community.

Emergency responders were still battling pockets of fire on Sunday as smoke lingered over the market.

Fire Broke Out in Corner Shop

Zakari said the blaze began on Saturday at a shop identified as Gilas, located at a corner of the market.

“The market was very crowded on Saturday, as it usually attracts many customers on weekends, especially with Ramadan approaching,” he said.

According to him, early speculation suggests the fire may have been triggered by a malfunctioning solar power system or an electrical fault.

Authorities have yet to release an official cause.

Flames Spread Rapidly

Traders and customers reportedly fled in panic as the fire spread quickly through adjoining stalls.

Zakari described the intensity of the inferno as overwhelming.

“It looked like a bomb was thrown here; it was massive,” he said.

Singer Market, one of Kano’s busiest trading centres, is known for its high foot traffic, particularly during peak shopping periods.

Call for Market Expansion

The traders’ chairman also recalled earlier assurances from the government to expand the market and reduce congestion — a move he said could help prevent similar disasters.

Congestion and poor electrical infrastructure have long been cited as risk factors in major market fires across Nigeria.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, affected traders are bracing for significant financial setbacks.