Sokoto disburses N143 million to victims of fire incidents

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Wednesday fulfilled his pledge to support victims of fire outbreaks at the Sokoto old market and central motor park in July.

A total of N143 million was disbursed to 76 traders and business operators verified as victims of the twin disasters to enable them to rebuild and restart their commercial activities.

Speaking during a brief ceremony organised for the financial disbursement, the Chairman of the Investigation Committee, Gandi Muhammad, praised the affected traders for their orderliness and cooperation throughout the verification process.

He clarified that the fund was not formal compensation for losses incurred, but a compassionate gesture by the state government to help victims revive their collapsed businesses.

“The highest beneficiary received N25 million, while the amounts given to other beneficiaries varied based on the verified extent of their losses,” Mr Muhammed, a lawyer, stated, urging the beneficiaries to remain prayerful against future occurrences.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the victims, several beneficiaries commended Governor Aliyu for delivering on his promise within days of receiving the committee’s report, pledging their continued support for his administration.

The disaster struck both commercial hubs in July 2026, causing extensive structural damage and disrupting economic activities across the state capital.

At the old market, the inferno—which hit key commercial sections, including bicycle, motorcycle, clothing, and cosmetic stalls—destroyed more than 50 shops and razed inventory, spare parts, and cash reserves.

Meanwhile, the outbreak at the Sokoto Central Motor Park destroyed several makeshift structures, passenger stalls, and commercial shops, bringing transportation and petty trading to a halt.

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Preliminary assessments by emergency management agencies estimated overall property losses from both sites at hundreds of millions of naira.

After the incidents, Governor Aliyu established a nine-member investigative committee to examine the root causes, assess total damages, and screen claimants.

After a rigorous verification process, the panel confirmed 76 of the 94 initial claims as authentic.