![Shops gutted by fire](http://media.assettype.com/lagoslocalnews%2F2023-04%2F0cbaba54-92ad-41af-8fc8-9457cbde7c37%2FOnitsha_fire_scene.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
On Wednesday, the Kaduna State Fire Service verified a fire at Kaduna's famed Panteka market.
Mr Paul Aboi, Director of the Kaduna State Fire Service, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the fire affected the market's timber section.
Aboi stated that the fire department received the initial distress call from one Mr Sadiq Mohammed, who arrived at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
He stated that other calls were also received.
However, Aboi stated that no lives were lost or traders were injured as a result of the fire.
According to him, the cause of the fire is yet unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
He stated that the fire was extinguished through a joint effort between state and federal firefighters.
Mohammed Abubakar, chairman of the market's wood department, stated that the fire began at 1:10 a.m. and praised the fire brigade for its rapid reaction.
“The Fire Service did well in putting out the fire, and after the fire was put out, the firemen remained behind to assist traders’ salvage of what was left until the early hours of 8 a.m.”
Abubakar stated that the projected overall cost from the fire had still to be determined, and that a committee had been formed to establish the actual monetary loss caused by the fire incident.
“We are appealing to government agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid,’’ he said.