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Fire Destroys Over 500 Stalls in Sokoto Timber Market

A devastating midnight fire has razed more than 500 stalls at the Sokoto State timber shed, commonly known as Karan Katako, leaving substantial portions of the market in ruins.

The chairman of the timber shed market, Modi Maje Maikatako, revealed that the fire affected over 4,000 traders, many of whom have lost their entire livelihoods.

“Despite implementing precautionary measures to prevent such incidents, the fire occurred under mysterious circumstances, causing damages valued at billions of naira,” he stated.

Impact on Traders

The timber shed market is a major hub for thousands of traders who deal in wood, furniture, and related goods. Many of these traders rely on the market as their primary source of income, and the disaster has left them in dire straits.

One affected trader lamented, “This fire has destroyed everything I have worked for. I don’t know how to recover from this loss.”

Previous Fire Incidents in Sokoto

This tragedy is the latest in a series of fire disasters in Sokoto State. In January, a fire outbreak in Sokoto metropolis claimed the lives of four people, including the daughter of the Secretary to the State Government of Sokoto, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and her three children.

In March 2024, over 180 stalls at the Sokoto State Central Market were razed in another fire that started in the early hours of the day, causing significant financial losses to traders and businesses.

Calls for Support

The affected traders and community leaders are appealing to the state and Nigerian governments, as well as humanitarian organisations, for immediate assistance to help them rebuild their businesses.

“We urgently need financial support and better fire prevention measures to protect markets like ours from recurring disasters,” said another trader.

Prevention Measures Urged

In the wake of this incident, market stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols across all major markets in Sokoto State. Suggestions include installing modern firefighting equipment, enhancing market security, and increasing awareness among traders about fire prevention practices.

As the community rallies around the affected traders, the Sokoto State government has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or announce any plans for relief measures.

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