Sokoto fire outbreak Victims assured of ‘cushioned’ compensations

by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

Victims of the recent fire outbreak in Sokoto State, especially traders, who lost their business shops at the fire incident, have been assured that their shops will be returned to them immediately after the renovations of the ravaged market area.

It could be recalled that parts of Shehu Shagari Modern Market in Sokoto, popularly called “New Market,” was destroyed by fire sometimes in 2021.

The State Government through the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Sokoto Central Market, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Gidado, gave the assurance, while briefing newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday.

According to him, “Owners of business shops razed down by inferno in the Central Market will be first considered in the allocation of business stalls after the renovation of the market.”

He said already the affected traders were allocated with temporary business stalls within the market where they are conducting their daily businesses with ease.

He explained that, the State Government has conducted census and documented all the victims’ data information with the aim of easing the government in the allocation of the shops after the completion of the renovation works.

He also revealed that, a task force has been constituted to assist in solving the social problems, especially as its regards congestion and traffic inside the market and its vicinity.

He disclosed that the razed section of the market was resigned and under renovating in a way that would prevent reoccurrence of fire outbreak in future.

He added that, security measures are being considered and implementing so as to ensure and curb any eventuality of lives and property of the market business community and other people patronizing the market.

The Special Adviser disclosed that he inherited over seven months’ allowances of the security personnel attached to the market, which has since been settled.

He urged the business communities in the market to support the government by abiding by the rules and regulations of the market in sanitizing business activities for general growth of state economy.