Fire destroys 2,375 shops in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi

No fewer than 2,375 shops were razed by fire in various markets in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States in the last four months.

This figure is contained in the quarterly report of fire incidents in the three states released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday in Sokoto.

The report was signed by Mr Thickman Tanimu, the Acting Head of the agency in Sokoto Operations Office.

The breakdown showed that four Local Government Areas in Sokoto state were affected by fire disasters during the period.

They are Sokoto North, Tangaza, Bodinga and Gwadabawa.

It said that 59 distress calls were recorded by the state fire service department within sokoto in January alone.

“Sokoto state is the most vulnerable and the most widely affected in the three states,’’ it said.

The report added that the two worst cases were Kara market fire that razed down 536 shops and Kasuwan Daji market fire which burnt down 179 shops.

It said that one person was injured in the incident.

Similarly, the report said 49 shops were destroyed at Dangwandi and Dogon Hannu communities, as well as two shops in Gidan-Madi in Sokoto North and Tangaza Local Government Areas, respectively.

It said scores of houses and silos were destroyed by the inferno in the state during the period but with no death recorded.

In Kebbi, the report said 1,594 shops were burnt at the Birnin Kebbi central market on March 3.

It said100 houses were destroyed in Kangiwa and Suru Local Government Areas, but no loss of life.

According to the report, 15 shops were razed at Yankatako market in Gusau on February 19.

It also said that 15 houses destroyed by fire but there no death was recorded.

“There is need for sensitisation and enlightenment campaign on the menace of fire disaster and its mitigation in the three states.

“The reports on the fire incidents and recommendations for relief materials have been forwarded to the Director-General of the agency for consideration and approval,’’ the report said.