KANO, Nigeria — A devastating fire has gutted more than 300 shops at the popular Farm Center GSM market in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano, causing extensive damage to mobile phone businesses and accessories retailers.
The blaze reportedly broke out around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Dan Sileka building within the market, rapidly spreading through densely packed stalls before firefighters brought it under control.
Emergency responders from the Kano State Fire Service arrived swiftly on the scene and were able to contain the fire before it reached additional sections of the market.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but investigations are ongoing, according to market officials.
Adamu Iliyasu Hotoro, the information officer for Tarauni LGA, confirmed the incident and said the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim Muhammad Sekure, promptly visited the scene to assess the situation and sympathise with affected traders.
Hon. Sekure urged both government agencies and charitable organisations to provide relief and support to those who lost their livelihoods in the fire.
“I call on all well-meaning individuals and organisations to assist the victims of this unfortunate disaster,” he said.
“We must also take proactive steps to prevent future occurrences of this kind.”
He offered prayers for the victims, asking, “May Almighty Allah grant them patience and replace their losses with something even better.”
Market leaders expressed their appreciation for the swift government response.
Ambassador Jamilu Bala Gama, Chairman of the Farm Center GSM Traders Association, and Alhaji Abdula’ziz Usman Mai Tabarma, Managing Director of the market, praised Hon. Sekure’s timely visit and the Kano State Fire Service for their quick intervention.
“We are grateful for the courage and professionalism shown by the fire service. Their rapid response undoubtedly saved the market from a much greater catastrophe,” Gama said.
