The devastating fire incident at Singer Market in Kano State has drawn widespread sympathy and support from leaders across Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the Government and people of Kano State over the incident.

The inferno destroyed properties worth over ₦5 billion, affected more than 1,000 businesses, and left seven persons missing.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Abiodun described the incident as one of the most unfortunate tragedies in the market’s history.

He sympathised with traders who lost valuable goods and properties, urging them not to lose hope, and assured that the Kano State Government would take necessary steps to support affected victims.

He also called on market authorities and relevant local government officials to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

“On behalf of my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I commiserate with the Kano State Government and the traders affected by this unfortunate incident.

“This fire outbreak has caused tremendous damage, but I urge those affected not to despair.

“The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf, is doing everything humanly possible to bring the situation under control and assist the victims.”

President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano State following the fire, describing the incident as tragic and ordering a comprehensive investigation into its causes.

Tinubu contacted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a situation report, noting that the latest outbreak occurred less than two weeks after a similar fire destroyed shops at the market.

The President directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a Federal Government delegation to Kano to express sympathy, convey condolences to traders, and pledge financial assistance to facilitate the quick reopening of the market.

The delegation includes the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Ismaila; Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard M. Doro; and NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar.

Yusuf, who visited the Gidan Gilas section of the market while the fire was still raging, called on the Federal Government to urgently provide modern firefighting equipment, including air support, to strengthen emergency response capacity.

He commended the Kano State Fire Service and security agencies for their efforts and urged residents to remain calm.

Singer Market Chairman, Junaid Zakari, disclosed that four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses were destroyed, along with goods and equipment.

Seven persons remain missing as emergency responders continue to determine their whereabouts. Authorities have yet to officially establish the cause of the fire.