Innaalillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji’uun!
So much has been said about the heartrending fire incidents (in plural) that have engulfed billions of naira in our markets in Kano. The Sabon Gari’s of today is said to be the worst. May Allah compensate those that have lost their goods and give them maximum solace. May the same never happen again, amin.
That said, I am one person who doesn’t believe in so many coincidences. I, without shake or skepticism, believe in Qadr (fatalism), but nothing happens just like that. I, for instance, cannot be the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano tomorrow. It just can’t happen. This is impossible. Pure and simple.
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Fire razes 19 shops, 1 mosque at another Kano market
I have tried to abandon the thought but it’s growing and solidifying in my mind. I sincerely speaking smell something fishy regarding the recurrence of these fire outbreaks in Kano. I suspect something, perhaps somebody, is somehow responsible. And by that I don’t mean something/body celestial; no, I mean something/body terrestrial.
Lest you forget or you are not aware, almost all the major markets of Kano, with the exception of Rimi and Kofar Wambai markets, were razed in less than 12 months! Yes, some marketers might have been erring by not paying Zakkat (compulsory alms) as at when due, but did they start that now? Yes, some inflate the prices of their goods due to the current situation of the country, but did that start now? Yes, the marketplaces are choked and overcrowded, but was that done now? And many more other questions that beg for answers.
I therefore think that in addition to all that has been suggested to do to prevent the recurrence of this billion-worthy blazing inferno, a good security formation ought to be put in place in our markets. Once the markets are closed everyday, the well-equipped security personnel should be patrolling their nooks and crannies till the next morning. I really think this will yield a very positive result, in sha Allah.
My heart bled earlier today. My wish, prayers and sympathy with the victims of the fire outbreak and their families. May Allah provide for them, us and for all, amin. May Allah forgive us, amin.
Muhsin Ibrahim
