“We were about to go for congregation (Asri prayer) at the hours of 3:30-4 pm on Saturday when we had people in chaos, calling for help, shouting “wuta wuta, jama’a gobara a gidan glass”, meaning “fire, fire, fire outbreak at the glass house”. Alh Tukur recounts how his business was reduced to ashes in the Singa market fire disaster, which began on Saturday, 14 February 2026, and lasted for more than 48 hours.
“It started as something we could solve with little effort, but the lack of safety and firefighting tools exposed our deficiency. It overpowered our efforts; next, everyone started running helter-skelter, packing our goods to minimise loss.
“Although some people salvage some of their belongings and place them outside. But the flames kept spreading, and tragically, they followed the goods.
“My boys and I packed some goods to the store, hoping they would survive, but I’m left with nothing, as both my shop and the store were burnt to ashes.
“In total, to me, the goods that were burnt are worth over ₦15 million, and that’s how everything is gone. Imagine where I can get ₦15 million or anything to start over again. But with God, I know everything is possible, as only he can make everything possible. ” Alh Tukur explained
Decongestion halted the firefighter operation.
“I called the fire service through their emergency call line; luckily, they picked up the call and told me they received a distress call.” “We have been informed; we are on our way to the location,” says the firefighter on the phone. I was amazed, hoping the incident would be curtailed. Malam Sani Aliyu told Daily Episode
“I was watching the fire destroying property, including my shop, standing helplessly, awaiting the miracle arrival of the firefighters as the delay bit harder on me and my fellow business partners.
“Suddenly, I heard the sound of their truck. In batches, the Kano State and Federal Fire Service, the Nigerian Air Force, and Gerawa and Aspira firefighting trucks arrived.
“Unfortunately, they tried all they could throughout the night and till this moment, 3 pm Sunday, to contain the flames, but they couldn’t, though work is still in progress, but among the issues is the lack of access to the markets due to the nature of the building.
“Part of the challenge is decongestion; according to what the firefighter complains about, it should be a 10-minute drive from their location to the market, but they spent at least 30 minutes due to congestion. Aliyu continues.
“I blame the government, because no one can confidently block a road to sell goods without the consent of the authorities or the market association.
“Had the road been clear, the market been well structured, or we had our safety tools, the fire would have been contained, and the loss would have been minimal, but now we are turned to zero. He added.
How the Inferno Swept Through the Garage, Burning Dozens of Motorcycles
Mal Illiyasu Adhama, who earns daily bread from securing motorcycles and motorbikes under the bridge, told Daily Episode how shop owners finding solace with their goods victimise him and his clients.
“In his words, when the incident intensified, shop owners began packing out their goods, and unfortunately, they placed them beside the road.
“But as the road becomes decongested, the Bagan place them on motorbikes and motorcycles, and the flames keep spreading and follow the goods.
“As you can see, we don’t know the exact losses; several motorcycles and motorbikes are destroyed.
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