**Devastating Fire Strikes Singa Market in Kano, Traders Count Their Losses** In the latest setback for traders in Kano State, a fire that raged through the Singa Market for nearly 24 hours has left many reeling from financial losses. The inferno, which started in a provision store at Gidan Gashash on Saturday, spread quickly across the market, destroying goods and property worth billions of naira. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for improved safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future. According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out in a small provision store, but due to the market's poor access roads and heavy traffic, firefighters struggled to reach the heart of the blaze on time. As a result, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing several shops and stalls. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has expressed his deepest sympathy for the victims, assuring them of state support and calling on the federal government to provide swift intervention. The governor also emphasized the need for improved safety protocols, citing the second fire to hit the market this month. Just two weeks ago, a similar blaze destroyed large warehouses at the same market, leaving many traders counting their losses. For the traders at Singa Market, the fire has been a devastating blow. Many have lost decades of hard-earned capital, and their livelihoods hang in the balance. Alhaji Musa, a wholesale grocer, was left speechless as he surveyed the ruins of his shop. "I watched my life's work turn to smoke in hours," he lamented. "We tried to salvage what we could, but the heat was unbearable, and the smoke was suffocating." The aftermath of the fire has also revealed a worrying trend of looting, as some individuals took advantage of the chaos to steal valuables from the few items that escaped the flames. This has added to the traders' sense of insecurity and despair. As one trader put it, "It's a double tragedy. You're fighting the fire while watching for miscreants whose intentions are to loot." As the people of Kano come to terms with the latest disaster, there is a growing call for action to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future. The Singa Market fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and security in our markets and public spaces.