By Victor Christopher
An early morning fire outbreak has devastated Simra Multi-Purpose Market, a small-scale industrial hub in the Dakata area of Kano, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira.
The inferno, which started at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, ravaged several factories engaged in nylon and plastic production.
According to Barrister Ibrahim Isa Aliyu, the market’s founder, the fire caused extensive damage, reducing production machines, raw materials, and finished goods to ashes.
Initial reports suggest that the fire was triggered by an electric pole when the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) restored power supply to the area.
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Witnesses described how sparks from the pole ignited the flames, which rapidly spread across the industrial market.
Market officials confirmed that the destruction was overwhelming, affecting numerous businesses that relied on the facilities for their daily operations.
The market’s management lamented the losses incurred, stating that expensive industrial equipment, including production machines, raw materials, and finished goods prepared for delivery, were all lost in the fire.
“We have suffered an immeasurable setback. Many small-scale business owners have lost everything overnight, and the road to recovery will be extremely difficult,” one of the affected factory owners lamented.
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When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, confirmed the fire incident.
Abdullahi said their officials are still gathering information regarding the incident. He assured that a detailed report would be released once the investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, affected traders and factory owners have called on the government and relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance to help them recover from the disaster.