An early morning fire yesterday, destroyed 20 shops at the Funtua Central Market in Katsina State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN correspondent, who was at the market, reports that properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by the fire which started at about 2 am and lasted till dawn.

The cause of the incident has yet to be determined.

However, the fire was put out by the combined efforts of firemen from Katsina State Fire Service, policemen, civil defense corps and officers at the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) along with some residents.
The items destroyed includes; textiles, electronics, jewelleries and provisions.

Malam Salisu Foli, a victim who sells textiles, described the incident as the will of God, stressing that at present no one could explain the source of the fire.

Foli commended the efforts of security agents as well as residents for their prompt response which according to him saved other traders’ shops.

Another victim, Hajia Kudiratu Funtua, who lost almost all her shop’s wares, prayed to Allah for remedies and prevention of future occurrence

The District Head of Funtua, Alhaji Sambo Idris, has inspected the affected portions and sympathized with the victims.

Idris urged traders to remain calm and consider the incident as the will of Allah.

He gave an assurance that he would facilitate support from individuals and agencies to the victims and prayed against future occurrence.

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http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/10256/2011/12/12/fire_razes_funtua_market.html