Sokoto – Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said that the government will modernise all markets in the state to avoid incidences of fire as recorded in the state in recent times.
Speaking when he visited Sokoto Old Market, recently gutted by fire, Tambuwal said ” having modern structures in the market place will ensure proper safety procedures are put in place.
” Government will enforce safety measures in all public places in order to ensure protection of lives and property.
“In the interim, we are assessing the damage done to this market and we will in due course announce special intervention to cushion the effect of the disaster on our businessmen and women.
“In the long term, the government will put in place adequate safety measures in all our markets and other public places.
”We will follow that up to ensure strict enforcement of all safety measures.”
The governor expressed sympathy for victims of the disaster and urged them not to despair but to consider their predicament as part of life’s trials and tribulations.
Speaking on behalf of shop owners, Malam Muazu Danjabalu, commended the governor for showing concern over their plight.
He said seeing the governor at the market at midnight when the fire was raging was an act of genuine leadership which others should emulate.
Danjabalu appealed to government to assist the victims quickly for them to rebuild their lives without further delay.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Tuesday condoled with the victims of the inferno.
Abubakar was represented by a delegation led by the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello.
The sultan described the incident as a great loss and urged the victims to regard the incident as an act of God.
Abubakar urged the three tiers of government and other agencies to come to the immediate aid of the victims.
The spokesman for the traders, Danjabalu, thanked the sultan and said, ” we have left everything in the hands of God.” ( NAN)