SOKOTO GOVT TO ASSIST 76 VERIFIED VICTIMS OF OLD MARKET, MOTOR PARK FIRE INCIDENTS
From Muhammad Gazali Garba
The Sokoto State Government has commenced moves to assist 76 persons verified as genuine victims of the recent fire incidents at the Old Market and the Central Motor Park in Sokoto.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the report of the committee constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents and assess the extent of losses.
The Governor said the incidents caused significant destruction of property, disrupted economic activities and subjected traders, transport operators, artisans and other citizens whose livelihoods depend on the affected centres to considerable hardship.
He said the government recognises the anxiety and uncertainty created by the incidents among the affected persons and their families, stressing that the committee was set up to provide government with reliable information to guide appropriate intervention.
According to him, the meeting was not merely to receive the report, but also to carefully examine its findings, recommendations and assessment of losses.
Governor Aliyu assured the victims that they are not alone, saying the state government is deeply concerned about their plight and will, within available resources and established procedures, provide appropriate assistance to help them recover and return to their businesses.
He, however, clarified that any intervention should not be regarded as compensation for the losses, but as assistance to support the affected persons.
“Let me state categorically that this is not a payback. It is just going to be an assistance,” the Governor said.
He added that the government will carefully consider the recommendations and take appropriate decisions in the overall interest of the victims and the people of the state.
Governor Aliyu commended the committee for its diligence in gathering information, visiting the affected locations, engaging stakeholders and assessing the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
He also appreciated relevant government agencies, security agencies, market associations and other stakeholders for their dedication and cooperation.
He expressed optimism that implementation of the recommendations would strengthen preventive measures and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gandi Umar, said the committee immediately commenced its assignment by visiting the two locations, where it interacted with victims, witnesses, stakeholders and government authorities that had conducted preliminary investigations.
He said the committee also received submissions from various organisations and the leadership of the two commercial centres.
Barrister Umar disclosed that the committee received 96 submissions from individuals claiming losses, adding that after thorough verification, 76 persons were established as genuine victims.
According to him, the committee fulfilled its terms of reference and comprehensively documented its findings, observations and far-reaching recommendations.
He said the report covers the immediate and remote causes of the fire incidents, the extent of losses, identified lapses, as well as recommendations to prevent future occurrences and support genuine victims.
The Chairman expressed confidence that if the recommendations are carefully considered and implemented, similar incidents could be significantly minimised or prevented.
He thanked Governor Aliyu for the confidence reposed in the committee and commended members for their diligence and commitment within the stipulated timeframe.
Barrister Umar also appreciated the leadership of the affected markets, stakeholders and victims who cooperated by providing information and testimonies during the verification exercise.
He particularly commended some claimants who demonstrated honesty by acknowledging that, although their shops were razed, they did not lose some of the items contained in their initial claims, saying such individuals deserved commendation for their honesty and integrity.
He thereafter formally presented the committee’s report to the Governor for consideration and further necessary action.
