Many shops and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in a fire outbreak at the Singa market in Kano State on Saturday.

Multiple reports said the inferno engulfed Gidan Gilas, also known as “Gidan Mai”, before spreading to some adjoining structures in the market.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said in a statement on Saturday night that the fire outbreak, which started at about 4:30 p.m., affected sections of the busy market area, with thick smoke and intense flames posing serious risks to lives, property, and adjoining structures.

The agency, however, noted that it responded to the incident by immediately coordinating emergency response efforts with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies to contain the inferno and mitigate its impact.

“Sustained firefighting efforts have significantly reduced the intensity of the blaze, with the situation gradually subsiding.

“However, firefighters and emergency responders remain actively engaged to ensure full containment of the fire and prevent further spread,” NEMA said.

As of the time of filing this report, the impact of the inferno is yet to be ascertained.

The development occurred weeks after a similar fire at Singa Market, which caused significant losses for traders in the area.