Another early morning inferno has struck Kano, destroying at least 50 shops at the Fatima Simra Multi-Purpose Market in the Dakata area of Kano State.
The blaze, which reportedly began around 5:40 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, affected small-scale businesses largely engaged in oil production and the recycling of plastics and nylon.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that goods worth millions of naira were lost before emergency responders could contain the spread.
Chairman of the market fire committee, Dauda Haruna Chula, confirmed that more than 50 shops had already been razed as at the time of filing this report, with the fire still ongoing while awaiting full intervention from the Kano State Fire Service.
Traders expressed deep concern over what they described as delayed emergency response, fearing that further losses could have been prevented.
The latest incident comes barely a week after the devastating fire at Singer Market, which affected over 1,000 traders and triggered nationwide sympathy. The recurrence has heightened anxiety among business owners across Kano’s major commercial hubs.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a brief reaction, commiserated with the affected traders and described the incident as “painful and deeply unfortunate.”
“We stand with our brothers and sisters who have lost their shops and livelihoods in this unfortunate incident.
Government will review emergency response mechanisms and ensure our fire service is better equipped and strategically positioned to respond swiftly.
I also appeal to market leaders and traders to strengthen internal safety measures and exercise greater caution,” the Governor stated.
He assured that the state government would continue to work with relevant agencies to mitigate recurring market fires and protect small businesses, which he described as the backbone of Kano’s economy.
Also reacting, a notable political figure and APC aspirant for Kano Central Senatorial District, Dr. M. M. Zango, expressed profound sympathy with affected constituents.
In a strongly worded message, Dr. Zango lamented the recurring pattern of market fires in Kano and called for urgent structural reforms.
“My heart goes out to every trader who lost his or her investment in this tragic incident.
These are not just shops; they are years of sacrifice, sweat and hope.
We must take fire prevention more seriously across all our markets.
I urge our people to remain vigilant, prioritise safety practices, and cooperate fully with authorities to prevent future disasters. May Allah (SWT) protect Kano, safeguard our livelihoods, and restore what has been lost.”
Dr. Zango, known for his philanthropic outreach within the constituency, emphasised that small-scale entrepreneurs deserve structured protection, modern safety infrastructure, and coordinated emergency planning.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, traders across Dakata and other commercial districts are once again left counting losses — and asking urgent questions about preparedness, prevention, and response.
Kano’s commercial community now faces a defining moment: whether recurring tragedies will finally trigger long-term reforms in market safety architecture.
Headlinenews.news Special report.
