A dawn fire outbreak has destroyed no fewer than 50 shops at the Fatima Simra Multi-Purpose Market in Dakata area of Kano state.

The chairman of the market’s fire committee, Dauda Haruna Chula, confirmed the incident, saying the inferno started around 5:40am. on Friday.

He explained that the affected shops were mainly small-scale businesses engaged in oil production, as well as recycling of plastics and nylon.

According to him, the fire was still raging as of the 5:40am.

“From the preliminary what we have seen, about 50 shops are already down and the fire is still ongoing. We are still expecting the Kano State Fire Service personnel,” he said.

Chula noted that efforts were made to contact the fire service and other relevant agencies, adding that they had confirmed awareness of the incident.

“We did as much as we could to call them and inform them of the situation on the ground. I can hear the sound of their car right now,” he added.

The extent of damage and possible casualties are yet to be ascertained, but traders expressed concern over the delay in response by emergency services.

This is coming barely one week after a major fire incident affected over 1,000 traders at Singer Market, still in Kano.

Details later…