From Muhammad Gazali Garba
The committee constituted by the Sokoto State Government to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the recent fire incidents at the Old Market and Central Motor Park has carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.
The committee, led by Barrister Gandhi Umar, visited both locations on Tuesday to inspect the level of destruction caused by the infernos and engage directly with affected traders,and other stakeholders in order to obtain firsthand information on the circumstances surrounding the outbreaks.
Speaking during the visit, the chairman explained that shortly after the incidents, the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, visited the affected areas to sympathize with victims and assess the extent of the damage. He subsequently constituted a nine-member committee to conduct a detailed investigation into both the immediate triggers and underlying causes of the disasters.
Barrister Gandhi Umar noted that the committee’s mandate is to ensure a thorough, transparent, and fact-based investigation that would help prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Barrister Gandhi assured victims that the committee would carry out its assignment diligently before submitting its findings and recommendations to the state government.
He further appealed to victims to ensure that only genuinely affected persons are included in the list of beneficiaries, warning against the inclusion of individuals who were not affected by the fire incidents.
According to him, the committee has resolved to carry out a shop-to-shop verification and enumeration exercise to guarantee accuracy, fairness, and transparency in documenting affected traders and business owners.
Barrister Gandhi Umar also commended the efforts of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for his prompt response and concern shown to victims of the disasters.
He said the governor’s immediate visit to the affected areas and the establishment of the committee demonstrated the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people and its determination to address the challenges faced by victims.
He added that only those genuinely affected by the fire disasters would benefit from any assistance or relief that may be provided by the government. He therefore appealed to victims and members of the public to avoid giving false information or making fraudulent claims, stressing that honesty and cooperation are necessary to ensure the success and credibility of the exercise.
Barrister Gandhi Umar further stated that although the government may not be able to fully compensate all losses suffered by victims, it remains committed to providing relief and support to cushion the hardship caused by the disasters.
The committee equally called on members of the public and relevant stakeholders to cooperate by providing useful information that could assist in the investigation.
The fire incidents reportedly destroyed several shops, goods, and other valuable properties, leaving many traders and business owners counting huge losses.
