The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep sympathy with traders, shop owners and all victims affected by the devastating Singa Market fire incident in Kano State, describing the tragedy as painful and distressing.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Forum, the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Sunday said the inferno was particularly heartbreaking, coming barely weeks after a similar outbreak in the same market, thereby compounding the losses and emotional trauma suffered by already vulnerable traders.
Yahaya in a press statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House, lamented the recurring spate of market fires across the North, noting that such incidents have continued to erode livelihoods, disrupt economic activities and push many families into hardship.
He stressed that the persistent nature of these disasters demands urgent, comprehensive and technology-driven preventive measures by both state and federal authorities.
The Gombe State Governor suggested the deployment of modern fire detection and suppression systems, improved market planning and infrastructure, “stricter enforcement of safety regulations and sustained public enlightenment, particularly among traders and market operators,” he added.
The NSGF Chairman also commended the swift and courageous response of the Kano State Fire Service, security agencies, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), adding “as well as other emergency responders and good Samaritans whose timely intervention helped contain the blaze and prevent further destruction.”
The governor extended the Forum’s heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Kano State, as well as to all individuals and business owners who suffered losses in the inferno.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant strength and restoration for the victims, urging them not to lose hope in the face of the devastating setback.
