Sokoto Gov sets up committee to probe market fire incident

Governor Ahmad Aliyu has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the devastating fire at the Kara Market Timber Shade, which destroyed property worth millions of Naira.

Accompanied by the APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and other dignitaries, the Governor visited the site of the incident. He was deeply shocked by the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

"From what I have seen here, the inferno was truly devastating, and it is my hope that the Almighty Allah will replace what the victims have lost with something better," the Governor stated.

"The losses are unimaginable. Please accept my heartfelt commiserations, and I pray that the Almighty Allah will prevent such a tragic incident from occurring again," he continued.

The Governor also urged the people of the state to be mindful of the harmattan season, a period when fire outbreaks are more likely due to the dry, windy conditions.

He reassured the citizens of his administration's commitment to ensuring their safety and protecting their property at all times, while also calling for their support in this effort.

"We must exercise caution in handling inflammable materials during this season," the Governor urged.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the men of the State Fire Service and the good Samaritans whose swift and courageous actions were instrumental in controlling the fire.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barr. Nasiru Aliyu Dan Tsoho, informed the Governor that while the fire caused extensive damage, fortunately no lives were lost in the disaster.

The Chairman of the Timber Sellers Association praised the Governor for his concern and support for the traders during the crisis. He also thanked the APC leader for his continued assistance to the traders, dating back to his tenure as Governor of Sokoto State.

In response to the incident, the Governor has formed a seven-member committee to investigate the cause of the fire. The committee will also assess the number of affected traders and recommend possible assistance for them.

The committee members include Alhaji Dalhatu Sidi Mamman (Chairman), Hon. Bello Idris, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir, retired Col. Garba Moyi Isa, and Hon. Ibrahim Hassan Chichi. A representative of the Police and Muhammad Hayatuddeen Tsamiya, who will serve as the committee's secretary, will also be part of the group.

The committee has been given three weeks to submit its report.