Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assured traders affected by a fire outbreak at the Old Market in Sokoto of government support, following the destruction of dozens of shops on Sunday.
The fire, which reportedly started around 10:00 a.m., razed several shops in the market, destroying goods estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of naira. No casualty was recorded.
Governor Aliyu visited the scene to assess the damage and sympathise with the affected traders.
He described the incident as a major setback, noting that the Old Market plays a critical role in the state’s economy and provides livelihoods for many residents.
He assured traders that the state government would support those affected, urging them to remain hopeful despite the losses.
The governor also commended the Sokoto State Fire Service, traders and volunteers for their efforts in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Traders Association, Alhaji Chika Sarkin Gishiri, said about 50 shops were affected by the fire.
“The fire started around 10:00 a.m. and destroyed about 50 shops. Property worth hundreds of millions of naira was lost, but no life was lost,” he said, appealing to the state government for urgent assistance to help traders recover.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said it deployed its Emergency Response Team to the scene following reports of the fire.
In a statement, the agency said the response was carried out in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders, including the Fire Service.
According to NEMA, the coordinated efforts helped to bring the fire under control and prevent further damage.