The chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaidu Muhammadu Zakari, has described the recent fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano as a serious trial for traders and the entire community.
Zakari spoke on Sunday while emergency workers were still battling the remaining flames. The fire destroyed several sections of the busy market.
He explained what may have led to the incident.
“The market was very crowded on Saturday, as it usually attracts many customers on weekends, especially with Ramadan approaching,” he said.
According to Zakari, the fire started at a shop known as Gilas, located at a corner of the market.
“Some people believe the fire may have been caused by a problem with a solar power system or an electrical fault,” he said.
Zakari added that the fire spread rapidly, causing panic among traders and customers.
He described the speed and intensity of the flames as frightening.
“It looked like a bomb was thrown here; it was massive,” he added.
He also reminded the public that the government had earlier promised to expand the market to reduce congestion and help prevent such disasters in the future.