Officials from the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) visited the Kara Timber Market in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, June 8, 2025, to assess the aftermath of an early morning fire that severely damaged the market.
The delegation, led by SEMA Chairman Bello Yakubu Rilisco and Executive Director Abubakar Abdullahi Tuleje, met with traders who lost goods and structures in the fire. They also surveyed the extent of destruction across the affected areas of the market.
The fire reportedly began shortly after dawn prayers and quickly spread through the market due to the high volume of flammable timber and wooden structures.
Witnesses described how smoke and flames swept through rows of shops, causing panic among traders. Many attempted to extinguish the fire using basic tools and water before emergency services could arrive. Despite these efforts, the fire caused significant material losses.
Though the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, initial assessments indicate that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, which provided some relief in the face of the considerable economic damage.
Following the incident, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris ordered relevant government agencies to take immediate action. SEMA officials are preparing a detailed damage report that will guide the government’s response. This report will form the basis for relief packages and potential support for the affected traders.
The Kebbi State Fire Service responded quickly to the emergency, helping to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading beyond the timber section of Birnin Kebbi market. The prompt intervention is credited with limiting the extent of the destruction.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
