Fire Destroys Sokoto Market, Grains Worth Millions Lost

A devastating fire tore through the popular Kara Grains Market in Sokoto on Saturday morning, destroying grains and properties worth millions of naira.

The inferno ravaged over 50 grinding shops and extended to nearby houses, leaving many traders and residents counting their losses. Food items such as rice, millet, beans, and other goods stored for business purposes were completely destroyed.

Among the affected traders was Glory Matthew Abba, who lost his grinding engine, valued at N1.8 million. Another victim, Aliyu Achida, suffered losses of approximately N3 million, including his home and food crops.

Preliminary estimates place the damages at over N50 million, with the cause of the fire yet to be determined.

Emergency Response and Support
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have conducted a joint assessment of the affected areas. Officials visited the market to evaluate the extent of the damage and pledged to support the victims during this difficult period.

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SEMA’s Director of Relief, Mustapha Umar, stated, “Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any potential fire hazards in their surroundings.”

Community Devastation and Calls for Support
The Kara Grains Market fire underscores the vulnerability of public markets to such disasters and highlights the need for improved safety measures. Affected traders and residents are calling on the government and well-meaning individuals to provide relief and assistance as they work to rebuild their lives.

This tragic incident adds to recent fire disasters in other parts of the country, raising concerns about fire safety, particularly during the dry season. Authorities have reiterated the importance of preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.

Source: reall.net