The fire outbreak in Katsina central market has allegedly consumed no fewer than 700 shops and stalls.
It was gathered that the fire started around 7 am on Monday.
The cause of the fire is still yet to be ascertained but it was gathered that Sabo Ungwa area, where the affected part of the market is located, has in recent times witnessed epileptic power supply.
A source identified as Fatimah Abdullahi said her shop was not affected but her other colleagues’ shops were affected.
Fatima said, “A friend called us around 8 am that the market was on fire. We arrived here and we tried to salvage whatever we can salvage. My shop is not affected but those that belong to my friends are affected. Unfortunately, some hoodlums, disguising as sympathizers exploited the situation to loot some of the shops. We have called those affected so that they can return home on time.”
At about 11.30 am, a combination of firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, State Fire Service, and a private company, as well as sympathizers were seen trying to put out the fire.
Confirming the incident, a senior police officer said some hoodlums were caught trying to cart away goods from the market.
The police officer said, “We have arrested several hoodlums who were trying to cart away some of the goods from the market and they are being detained but I cannot give you a specific number now as we are still arresting them.”
