The Kaduna State Fire Service on Wednesday confirmed a fire incident at the popular Panteka market in Kaduna.
Paul Aboi, the director of the Kaduna State Fire Service, said the fire affected the timber section of the market.
Mr Aboi said the fire department received the first distress call from Mr Sadiq Mohammed, who rushed to the fire department at 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to him, the cause of the fire is still unknown as investigations are ongoing.
He said the fire was put out in a collaborative effort by the Kaduna and Federal fire services.
Mohammed Abubakar, chairman of the wood section of the market, said the fire incident started by 1:10 a.m. and commended the fire service for the prompt response.
“The fire service did well in putting out the fire, and after the fire was put out, the firemen still remained behind to assist traders in securing what was left until the early hours of 8:00 a.m.,” said Mr Abubakar.
Mr Abubakar said the estimated total loss to the fire had yet to be ascertained, adding that a committee had been set up to determine the exact loss in monetary terms to the fire incident.
“We are appealing to government agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid,” he said.
NAN