The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has urged the state government to urgently assist traders affected by the fire outbreak at the Sokoto Central Market.
The fire, which occurred about two days ago around the Kofar Yan Mashin section of the market, destroyed several shops and goods reportedly worth millions of naira.
Dan’iya, in a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, sympathized with the affected traders and business owners, saying the incident had caused significant financial hardship.
He, however, thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in the incident.
‘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,’ he said.
The ADC candidate described the destruction as a setback for traders who depend on their businesses to support their families and contribute to the state’s economy.
He urged the affected traders to remain hopeful and work towards rebuilding their businesses despite the losses.
Dan’iya also called for immediate government intervention, including relief for victims and the repair or reconstruction of damaged shops.
‘These traders should not be left alone to bear the burden of a disaster that has affected an important commercial center of the state. Government must stand with them at this difficult moment,’ he said.
He expressed concern over the recurrence of fire incidents at the central market, saying the latest outbreak should prompt the authorities to reassess existing safety measures.
According to him, the market requires adequate firefighting equipment, accessible emergency routes, reliable water supply, proper electrical installations, and effective monitoring systems to minimize the risk of future disasters.
Dan’iya also urged market associations, traders, shop owners, and relevant government agencies to conduct regular safety inspections and address hazards, including faulty electrical connections, improper storage of combustible materials, and blocked access routes.
He commended residents and emergency personnel who assisted in containing the fire and preventing further destruction.
The candidate prayed for the recovery of the affected traders, saying stronger preventive measures were necessary to protect lives, businesses, and investments at the market.
The Sokoto Central Market is a major commercial hub in the state capital, attracting traders and customers from different parts of Sokoto and neighboring areas.
Previous fire incidents at the market have raised concerns over emergency access, firefighting facilities, and measures to protect traders’ property.
The latest incident has renewed calls for improved fire prevention and emergency response infrastructure as affected traders begin to assess the extent of their losses.