Kano probes GSM market fire

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the recent fire outbreak at the popular GSM Market at Farm Centre, leaving hundreds of traders counting losses worth millions of naira.

The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to him, the committee is tasked with probing both the immediate and remote causes of the incident, assessing the extent of the damage, and proposing practical measures to prevent future occurrences.

Speaking during the event, Ibrahim emphasised the importance of transparency and coordination in the management of relief and support efforts.

We must not allow this unfortunate incident to be politicised.

“All donations and assistance must be channelled through the committee or the designated government account to ensure accountability and equitable distribution,” he said.

He urged individuals, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians who wish to support the affected traders to use the official account.

The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Nasiru Garo, includes members drawn from key government agencies, emergency services, security outfits, and market leadership.

“We carefully selected members who bring the right expertise and stakeholder representation needed for such a critical assignment,” Ibrahim said.

Members include the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, officials from the Kano State Fire Service, the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority, the Farm Centre GSM Traders’ Association, Kano State Investment and Properties, Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and several special advisers.

Alhaji Abdulkadir Shehu AGS-HOC was appointed as the secretary of the committee.

Ibrahim outlined the committee’s responsibilities, which include determining the causes of the fire, evaluating the level of destruction and any loss of life, examining the emergency response during the incident, and reviewing existing fire safety measures at the market.

“They will also verify the identities and profiles of all those affected, ensure that the current market layout complies with urban safety regulations, and suggest a sustainable administrative framework for managing the market,” he said.

He added that the committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report within one week, including clear recommendations to guide the government in addressing the incident thoroughly and preventing a recurrence.