Inferno hits GSM Market, leaving traders with massive losses and businesses in ruin as the fire razed popular trading hub to the ground.
Devastated traders in Kano state were plunged into grief and disbelief on June 6, 2025, as a catastrophic fire tore through the iconic Farm, widely known as Dan Sulaika Plaza.
What should have been a day of jubilation and family celebration for Eid-el-Kabir instead turned into a nightmare for traders and residents alike.
Flames consumed hundreds of shops in a matter of hours, turning years of hard work and investment into ash.
The inferno broke out around midday, shortly after the Eid congregational prayers.
Most traders had temporarily closed their shops to observe the festival with loved ones, leaving the complex largely unattended.
Inferno Hits GSM Market
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden burst of flames that rapidly spread through the densely packed market.
Preliminary findings by the Kano State Fire Service suggest that the cause may be either a potential electrical fault or an exploding phone battery. However, officials have emphasized that a full investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
Despite the swift response from the Kano State Fire Service, which promptly deployed multiple fire trucks and emergency personnel to the scene.
The flames proved relentless, spreading rapidly through the structure.
Firefighters battled tirelessly, but the intensity and scale of the blaze made containment efforts extremely challenging
In total, over 47 shops across the ground and first floors were completely destroyed.
Market unions and safety advocates are urging the government to enforce stricter building codes, mandate regular fire drills, and as well, equip the markets with essential fire-fighting resources….!
These businesses primarily dealt in mobile phones, accessories, and electronic repairs, compounding the financial magnitude of the loss.
Early estimates suggest damages exceeding ₦100 billion, with individual losses ranging from ₦20 million to over ₦500 million. Miraculously, no lives were lost in the incident, however, the emotional and economic toll has been profound.
Inferno Hits GSM Market
As the smoke cleared, traders returned to the charred ruins of their livelihoods, some collapsing in grief while others sifted through the debris in a desperate search for salvageable goods.
Photos and videos from the scene shows heartbreaking moments filled with pain and loss, making it clear that urgent help and long-term support are badly needed.
In response, the Kano State Government has offered its condolences to those affected and promised to provide immediate help and relief.
Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo visited the site on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, offering words of comfort and promising that affected traders would not be left to suffer alone.
A high level committee has been constituted to investigate the incident thoroughly, assess the extent of damage, and also formulate recommendations to prevent similar tragedies even in the nearest future.
Support has also poured in from national figures and traditional leaders. Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin pledged financial and material aid, while the revered Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, visited the site and donated ₦10 million to support recovery efforts.
Inferno Hits GSM Market
Various civil society groups and market associations have also mobilised resources and are advocating for transparency in the distribution of relief funds. The disaster has reignited critical discussions about fire safety in Nigerian markets.
Experts and stakeholders are highlighting the chronic lack of fire safety infrastructure in major commercial centres across the country.
Market unions and safety advocates are urging the government to enforce stricter building codes, mandate regular fire drills, and as well, equip the markets with essential fire-fighting resources….!
In the case of Dan Sulaika Plaza(na dan agundi), traders noted the absence of functional fire extinguishers, inadequate emergency exits, and a lack of routine safety inspections. These oversights have prompted calls for urgent regulatory reforms.
Market vendors and safety advocates are urging the government to act responsibly.
They’re asking for stronger safety rules and regular fire drills. Market stalls need proper fire equipment to protect both goods and people.
Prioritizing safety now can prevent more losses later than or before another fire happens that no one expected
Such measures, stakeholders argue, are essential for safeguarding the lives and investments of Nigeria’s small and medium business owners.
As the city of Kano begins the arduous process of recovery, attention now turns to rebuilding the lives of those affected with hope, resilience, and a strong community spirit.
The tragedy serves as a wake up call, highlighting the vulnerabilities in our market systems and the urgent need for coordinated, sustainable safety interventions.
Market unions and safety advocates are urging the government to enforce stricter building codes, mandate regular fire drills, and as well, equip the markets with essential fire-fighting resources….!
While the pain remains raw, there is hope that this calamity will spark lasting change.
With the right support, oversight, and policy enforcement, Kano can rebuild stronger, ensuring that its markets remain not only hubs of economic activity.
But also a safe space for all who trade and shop within them. The GSM Market fire-outbreak is more than a local tragedy; it is a national lesson.
Inferno Hits GSM Market
It is a lesson that speaks to the voluminous importance of proactive governance, community resilience, and the shared responsibility of protecting public spaces.
Let Kano’s loss be a catalyst for reform across Nigeria
Market unions and safety advocates are urging the government to enforce stricter building codes, mandate regular fire drills, and as well, equip the markets with essential fire-fighting resources….!
