A devastating fire erupted in the early hours of Saturday at Sokoto State’s renowned Kara Market, consuming numerous grain stores and shops in its wake. The blaze, which spread rapidly across the marketplace, left traders and residents in a frantic scramble to salvage their belongings as firefighters battled to contain the raging flames.
According to eyewitness accounts, the inferno began suddenly, engulfing wooden and makeshift structures, which fueled its intensity. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, speculations are rife that an electrical fault or an unattended flame may have triggered the disaster.
Panic and desperation gripped traders as they watched their life’s earnings go up in smoke. Some risked their lives, darting through the chaos in a bid to save whatever goods they could, while others stood helplessly, overcome with grief. Residents in nearby buildings also took precautionary measures, hastily evacuating their properties to avoid potential destruction.
Efforts to reach the market’s general manager for comments proved futile, as he was preoccupied with preventing opportunistic looters from taking advantage of the confusion. Security personnel were reportedly deployed to maintain order, as some individuals attempted to capitalize on the tragedy by looting shops and abandoned merchandise.
Firefighters remain on the ground, working tirelessly to bring the situation under control and prevent further destruction. However, the extent of the damage is yet to be fully assessed. Traders and business owners are now left counting their losses, calling on the government to provide urgent relief and assistance to those affected.
This latest fire disaster underscores the recurring issue of poor fire safety measures in Nigerian markets, with many traders demanding immediate reforms to prevent future occurrences.
PIONEER NEWS 