A committee set up by the Sokoto State Government to assess the damage caused by recent fire outbreaks at the Sokoto Central Market and Central Motor Park has commenced verification of victims affected by the incidents.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Malam Abubakar Bawa.
According to the statement, the Acting Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gandi Umar Muhammad, mni, led members on an inspection and assessment visit to the affected locations to engage directly with traders and evaluate the extent of losses recorded.
During the exercise, committee members moved from shop to shop to gather data from affected traders and compile accurate information on the number of shops destroyed in the separate fire incidents.
Speaking with journalists during the exercise, Barrister Gandi said the verification tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the level of destruction and the number of victims affected.
“What we are doing is in line with the terms of reference given to us by the government. At the end of the exercise, we will present a detailed and accurate report to the Governor for necessary action,” he stated.
He added that the committee was committed to completing its assignment within the six-week deadline approved by the government.
Barrister Gandi commended the affected traders for maintaining order during the verification process and praised the leadership of the Traders’ Association for its cooperation and support.
“We also commend the leadership of the Traders’ Association for their support and cooperation with this committee, which has greatly helped in making our work easier,” he added.
The acting chairman assured victims of a transparent and credible verification exercise, stressing that the committee would strictly adhere to its mandate without compromise.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu had, on 27 April, inaugurated a nine-member committee to assess the extent of damage caused by the fire incidents at the Sokoto Central Market and Central Motor Park, with a six-week deadline to submit its report.
