A fire has destroyed over 55 shops at the Zamfara Central Market, marking the second major incident in six weeks. The fire's cause remains unclear, with speculation surrounding flammable herbs. Traders urge government intervention as they face devastating losses, prompting concerns over recurring market fires in northern Nigeria.
A fire outbreak early on Tuesday morning devastated the herbal medicine section of the Zamfara Central Market, destroying over 55 shops. This incident follows a similar tragedy just six weeks ago, which saw more than 100 shops reduced to ashes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with suspicions that flammable herbs stored in some shops may have contributed to the inferno.
Alhaji Sa'adu Dahiru, chairman of the affected section, described the loss as catastrophic, highlighting the impact on local traders. He shared the story of one trader who lost N50,000 intended for the bank, along with his goods. Traders are now urging the state government for financial support to rebuild their businesses.
Alhaji Ahmad Salihu Shinkafi, the market's Managing Director, confirmed the investigation into the cause. Some traders speculated that the fire was triggered by heat-sensitive herbs that can explode under excessive heat, but no official cause has been determined. The market management had previously banned the use of fire within the premises, citing safety concerns. This fire marks another devastating chapter in the ongoing issue of market fires in northern Nigeria, leaving many victims in need of government assistance and raising questions about fire safety in local markets.
