A late night fire outbreak on Sunday has destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira at the old market in Sokoto State.
Eyewitness accounts says the fire, which started around 10.00pm lasted for about three hours before it was put off by firemen, traders and Good Samaritans.
The market, known by locals as ‘Kasuwar Dan-Jabalu’, is popular for selling clothing materials, foot wears and jewelleries, as well as exchange of foreign currencies.
Some of the affected traders said they have taken the unfortunate incident as an act of God. “This is a tragedy from God, and we have taken it as such as faithful Muslims.
“We are however soliciting for assistance from the Federal and Sokoto State Governments, public spirited individuals and groups,” one of the traders, Abdulkadir Mainiyo, said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal who was among the people that rallied to put the fire out, has expressed deep sympathy with the traders and promised to assist them.
In a statement by released by his spokesman, Imam Imam, the governor said that the government would set up a committee to investigate the incident.
“The committee will also recommend the necessary assistance to be rendered to the victims.”
