Sokoto ADC governorship candidate commiserates with Sokoto Central market fire victims
Sokoto ADC governorship candidate commiserates with Sokoto Central market fire victims
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The ADC Governorship Candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with traders and business owners at the Sokoto Central Market following the devastating fire incident that occurred about two days ago around the Kofar Yan Mashin area of the market.
The inferno reportedly destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira, leaving many traders facing significant financial losses. Dan’iya, however, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident and prayed for strength and comfort for all those affected.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said the incident was a painful setback for hardworking traders who depend on their businesses to support their families and contribute to the economy of Sokoto State.
He said he fully understands the emotional and financial burden that comes with losing years of investment, merchandise and livelihoods within a few hours.
He urged the affected traders not to lose hope, assuring them that the loss, though painful, should not extinguish their determination to rebuild.
“We share in the pain of every trader whose shop, goods and livelihood were affected. May Almighty Allah replace what has been lost with something better, strengthen the affected families and restore their means of livelihood,” Dan’iya said.
Dan’iya expressed concern that the Sokoto Central Market has experienced several fire incidents over the years, stressing that the recurrence of such disasters demands a comprehensive review of fire-prevention and emergency-response measures within the market.
He said the latest incident around Kofar Yan Mashin is another reminder that adequate preventive infrastructure, accessible fire-fighting equipment, clear emergency routes, reliable water supply, proper electrical installations and effective monitoring systems must be put in place to protect lives, businesses and investments.
The ADC candidate called on the Sokoto State Government and relevant authorities to urgently come to the assistance of the affected traders by providing immediate relief and undertaking the necessary repairs and reconstruction of damaged shops.
He said the priority should be to enable the affected traders to return to their businesses as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring that the process is transparent and reaches those genuinely affected.
“These traders should not be left alone to bear the burden of a disaster that has affected an important commercial centre of the state. Government must stand with them at this difficult moment,” Dan’iya said.
He also urged market associations, shop owners, traders and relevant government agencies to work together to strengthen safety measures and prevent future occurrences.
Dan’iya said electrical faults, indiscriminate storage of combustible materials, blocked access routes and inadequate emergency facilities must be addressed through regular inspections and enforcement of appropriate safety standards.
He stressed that prevention remains better than responding after valuable property and livelihoods have already been destroyed.
Dan’iya once again sympathised with the entire Sokoto Central Market community and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the affected traders the strength, resources and opportunity to recover from the losses.
He commended all individuals and emergency personnel who contributed to containing the fire and preventing further destruction, while reiterating his call for immediate government intervention.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with every trader affected by this unfortunate incident.
“We pray that this will be the last major fire disaster at the market and that stronger preventive measures will ensure that no trader has to experience this kind of loss again,” he said.
