COMMUNITY leaders in Adamawa State, under the aegis of Adamawa Peace Initiative (API), a peace building non-governmental organisation, in partnership with the American University of Nigeria (AUN), has paid a sympathy visit to victims of Yola town market, whose shops and wares were destroyed in the New Year inferno.

Recalled that the ever-busy Gamzaki market, which accommodates traders from all over the country, was virtually destroyed by the incident that razed down the major parts.

Though no life was lost, but the Chairman of Gamzaki Traders Association, Ibrahim Mohammed, who received the AUN-API delegation
at the scene of the incident, said more than 875 shops and 1,000 traders were affected.

After touring the wreckage, the group, led by its Vice Chairman Jika Gambo and the Catholic Bishop of Yola, Stephen Mamza, sympathised with the victims and orders the traders’ union to itemise their areas of need.

In his address, Gambo said it was pertinent to visit the scene in order to give report of the incident to the main body for appropriate action. “It is indeed a sad situation, but the most important thing is for us to ask God to avert this kind of situation in the future.”

Also receiving the AUN-API delegation is the Chairman of Gamzaki Yola South Traders Association, Ali Kachallah. He thanked the Peacemakers for uniting different faith-based organisations in the state.

“I have been following your programmes and your emphasis that Muslims and Christians are one… you can only tie a broom with one rope.” He described AUN-API as a common ground of one voice and one heart towards others.

Taking cognizance of recent reports of fire outbreaks in three markets in Adamawa State, Kachallah called on public-spirited individuals, NGOs and government to rally support for traders who lost goods and shops, to cushion unforeseen hardship.