🔥 INFERNO IN KANO: FIRE GUTS SINGER MARKET, 7 MISSING, LOSSES ESTIMATED ABOVE ₦5 BILLION

A massive fire outbreak has devastated Singer Market in Kano, leaving at least seven traders reported missing and property losses estimated at over ₦5 billion.🔥 How the Fire StartedAccording to eyewitness accounts, the inferno began in the early hours of Saturday, February 15, 2026. The flames reportedly spread rapidly due to the highly flammable nature of goods stored in the market, including textiles, plastics, electronics, and other household merchandise.Traders said many shops were still locked when the fire broke out, making it difficult to salvage goods before the blaze intensified.🚒 Emergency Response EffortsOfficials from the Kano State Fire Service responded to the scene shortly after distress calls were made. Firefighters battled for several hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings and nearby commercial areas.Security operatives were also deployed to maintain order as crowds gathered and distressed shop owners attempted to access their stores.👥 Seven Traders MissingMarket leaders confirmed that seven individuals remain unaccounted for as of the time of reporting. Rescue and search operations are ongoing, with authorities working to determine whether the missing persons were trapped during the incident.Families of the affected traders have expressed deep concern as they await updates from emergency officials.💰 Economic ImpactSinger Market is one of Kano’s busiest commercial hubs, serving thousands of traders and customers daily. The destruction is expected to significantly impact local commerce, particularly small and medium-scale business owners who rely heavily on daily sales.Preliminary estimates from market associations place the financial losses at over ₦5 billion, though officials say a full assessment is still underway.🔎 Investigation UnderwayAuthorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. While no official statement has confirmed the origin, early speculation points to possible electrical faults.Residents and traders have renewed calls for improved fire safety measures, better infrastructure, and emergency preparedness in major markets across the state.