A blaze at Kofar Ruwa Timber Market in Kano State has razed 75 permanent shops or buildings and a further 35 temporary structures, dealing a major blow to traders operating at the commercial hub.
Kabiru Isah Jafaru, public relations officer for the Kano State Fire Service, said in a statement issued on Saturday that the incident began at roughly 7:39 a.m.
The fire service was alerted by a timber merchant, Alhaji Abba, after which crews from several fire stations across the Kano metropolitan area were dispatched without delay.
By the time firefighters reached the market, the flames had already moved through multiple areas of the site.
“The fire affected several parts of Kofar Ruwa Timber Market, destroying 75 permanent buildings and 35 temporary structures,” Jafaru said.
Fire crews later contained the incident and stopped it from extending to other sections of the market.
Jafaru called on traders and other business operators to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures to reduce fire risks, particularly during the harmattan season.
