21/03/2024
Sokoto Market fire:
Gov. Aliyu visits scene,directs immediate evacuation of heap of refuse responsible for inferno
Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has directed the authorities of the Sokoto Central market to immediately evacuate a huge heap of refuse believed to be responsible for the early morning fire incident that razed down many shops leading to the loss of of many motorcycles in the market.
The Governor, who was at the section of motorcycle and bicycles sellers gutted by fire, expressed deep shock over the loss of property especially motorcycles,appealed to the affected traders to see it as something ordained by the Supreme Being.
He expressed dismay over the way and manner the traders created an illegal refuse dump site in the midst of their shops, which he described as very unfortunate.
He added, "I wonder how people managed to carry out businesses near this dump despite the hazardous nature of this place.
" We were told that the illegal dump site has been here for the past six years,this situation must change, " he charged.
The governor also directed that the heap of refuse be evacuated within the next three weeks and warned against the obnoxious and unhealty attitude of dumping refuse indiscriminately.
The governor further expressed worry about the fire outbreak, which according to him, occurred at the time when the people are observing Ramadan fast, in addition to the prevailing socioeconomic hardship and the astronomical hike in the prices of essential items.
Gov. Aliyu said, "I want to call on those whose property perished in the inferno to take heart and fervently pray for Allah's intervention on the issue.
"The losses are indeed colossal, therefore, i want to express my heartfelt commiseration to all those who lost their property in the inferno. May the Almighty Allah prevent the recurrence of such a calamity. "
He assured the traders that the state government will look into the causes of the outbreak and render any possible assistance to those whose properties were affected.
The governor also appealed to the people in the state to be cautious of how they handle inflammable items especially now that state is witnessing a hazy and dusty weather.
He reassured people of the state of his administration's readiness to execute people-oriented projects across the state.
Abubakar Bawa
Press Secretary to
Sokoto State Governor
20//03/2024