The Sokoto State Fire Service has successfully subdued a massive fire that devastated the building materials section of the Karar Yan Katako market after two grueling days of firefighting. This marks the second fire to ravage the market within January, sparking heightened concerns over fire safety measures in the area.
The most recent fire erupted at approximately 3:15 AM on Tuesday, unleashing destruction on around 563 shops stocked with essential building supplies such as timber, zinc roofing sheets, nails, plumbing fixtures, and various piping materials. Vendors, many of whom lost their entire inventories, now face an uphill battle to rebuild their livelihoods.
Earlier in the month, a separate fire tore through the grinding machines section of the market, compounding fears of recurring outbreaks and emphasizing the need for enhanced fire prevention and rapid response systems.
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In the aftermath of this latest disaster, a coordinated damage assessment was conducted by a team comprising officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the State Oil Outlet (SOO), market authorities, and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their efforts aim to quantify the losses and provide much-needed relief to the affected traders.
The victims of the fire are now appealing to both the government and well-meaning members of the public for urgent assistance to help them recover. Many have expressed their frustration over recurring fire outbreaks, calling for improved safety protocols and infrastructure within the market to prevent future disasters.
The Sokoto market fires have cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of local marketplaces and the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard both vendors and their investments.
