A devastating fire outbreak engulfed the popular Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano on Friday afternoon, destroying 47 shops across both floors of a one-storey building. The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed that the incident was caused by a battery explosion.
According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the emergency control room received an alert at approximately 12:32 pm from Senior Fire Superintendent (SFS) Musa Ya'u, who reported the fire outbreak.
Swift Response from Fire Service
"The service, under the leadership of its Director, Alhaji Sani Anas, immediately mobilized firefighters from various stations across the Kano metropolitan area," the statement read.
The fire, which started on the ground floor, consumed 20 permanent shops and 13 temporary ones before spreading to the upper floor where it destroyed an additional 13 permanent shops and one temporary shop.
"By God's intervention and the effort of our men, we were able to contain the fire using five jets," the Fire Service spokesperson added.
No Casualties Reported
The Fire Service confirmed that despite the extensive damage to property, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the incident.
This incident comes as a significant blow to traders at the market, which is known as a hub for mobile phone and electronic accessories in Kano state.
Safety Advisory Issued
In the wake of the incident, the Fire Service has urged shop owners and residents to exercise caution when handling batteries and electrical items to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Farm Centre GSM Market is one of the largest electronics markets in northern Nigeria, with hundreds of traders depending on it for their livelihood.
This is not the first fire incident at the market, highlighting ongoing concerns about fire safety measures in commercial areas across the country.
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