A former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed deep sympathy over the recent fire disaster that gutted the Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano.
In a statement issued via his X handle on Sunday, the NNPP chieftain called for urgent safety reforms to prevent future tragedies.
Kwankwaso described the fire incident as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated electrical and energy storage equipment in public markets.
He said, “The tragic fire at the Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano, which was caused by a battery explosion, is another reminder of how dangerous electrical equipment can be.
“I extend my profound sympathy to the affected businesses in this difficult time.”
Kwankwaso noted the timing of the tragedy, describing it as “a test from Allah” and calling on victims to remain prayerful and steadfast.
“For a tragedy like this to happen while we are in the midst of Eid celebrations is indeed a test from Allah. It also calls for total submission to His will, and it is a call for prayers for His mercy and safety,” he added.
Kwankwaso also used the opportunity to extend solidarity to the leadership of the market and the Kano State Government, urging both to take concrete action toward market safety.
“I call on the government and market authorities to address safety in our markets by enacting effective regulations for the handling of energy production equipment. Incidents like this must not be allowed to recur,” he said.
The fire outbreak tore through the Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano on Friday, destroying properties worth millions of naira and leaving traders counting their losses during what should have been a festive Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The inferno, which eyewitnesses said was triggered by a battery explosion, engulfed dozens of shops in one of the state’s busiest commercial hubs for phone and electronic accessories.
PUNCH Online reports that the GSM market is one of the largest electronics and mobile phone hubs in northern Nigeria.
