Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Calls on Federal Government for Urgent Help After Fresh Fire Outbreak at Singer Market
Governor Yusuf personally visited the scene amid the ongoing efforts to bring the inferno under control. He expressed deep concern over the recurring disasters and praised the tireless work of the Kano State Fire Service personnel, alongside security agencies and other responders who have been battling the flames. In a statement released through his spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, the governor described the situation as urgent and called for stronger measures to protect one of the state's key economic centers.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene by providing modern firefighting equipment, including air support and other essential tools,” Governor Yusuf said during his visit. He emphasized that such support would not only help contain the current fire but also build the capacity of local fire services to handle emergencies more effectively in busy markets like Singer. The governor stressed that these upgrades are vital to preventing future tragedies in densely packed commercial areas where livelihoods depend on swift and reliable emergency responses.
Singer Market, a vital trading spot in Kano known for its diverse goods ranging from electronics to household items, has now suffered two major fires in quick succession. The latest outbreak destroyed numerous shops and goods estimated to be worth millions of naira, compounding the hardship already faced by many traders. Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes as people rushed to salvage what they could while thick smoke billowed across the area. The repeated incidents have raised serious questions about fire safety infrastructure, electrical standards, and overall preparedness in Kano's major markets.
This is not the first time Governor Yusuf has stepped in to support victims of market fires. In the wake of the earlier Singer Market blaze, he approved a ₦100 million relief package to help affected traders recover and pledged funds for road expansions and infrastructure improvements around the market to reduce congestion and improve access for emergency vehicles. Those measures were part of a broader effort to address underlying issues that make such hubs vulnerable.
The governor urged traders and nearby residents to stay calm and cooperate fully with emergency teams still working at the site. He assured the public that his administration remains committed to their welfare and to finding lasting solutions to these recurring challenges. Many in the business community have echoed the call for better equipment and training, noting that local resources alone often struggle against large-scale fires in crowded environments.
The appeal to the Federal Government highlights the broader strain on state-level emergency services across Nigeria, where rapid urbanization and high population density in commercial zones frequently outpace available firefighting capabilities. Observers hope the request will prompt quicker action, perhaps including the deployment of advanced aerial firefighting resources or specialized equipment that could make a real difference in densely built-up areas.
As the fire continues to be contained and assessments of the damage get underway, attention turns to both immediate relief for those who have lost their means of livelihood and longer-term prevention strategies. Governor Yusuf's visit and his direct plea underscore a sense of urgency: protecting lives, property, and the economic heartbeat of communities like those around Singer Market requires collaboration at every level of government.
Traders affected by this latest disaster will be watching closely for any response from Abuja, hopeful that federal intervention can help turn the tide against these destructive outbreaks. For now, the focus remains on supporting recovery and ensuring no one is left behind in the aftermath.
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