By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The committee constituted by Ahmed Aliyu to assess the extent of damage caused by recent fire incidents at the Sokoto Central Market and the Central Motor Park has commenced verification of victims affected by the two separate incidents.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Malam Abubakar Bawa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto.
According to the statement, the Acting Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gandi Umar Muhammad, mni, led members of the committee on an assessment visit to interact with affected traders and evaluate the level of damage and losses incurred.
Members of the committee moved from one shop to another, collecting data from victims to obtain accurate and comprehensive information on the number of shops destroyed by the fires at both locations.
Speaking to journalists during the exercise, Barrister Gandi Umar Muhammad said the assessment tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the extent of losses and the number of traders 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 said.
He added that the committee was working hard to complete its assignment within the timeframe provided by the government.
The acting chairman commended the affected traders for their orderly conduct during the exercise and also 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 said.
Barrister Gandi assured victims of a transparent, free and fair verification process, stressing that the committee would not compromise or deviate from its assigned mandate.
It would be recalled that Governor Ahmed Aliyu, on April 27, 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.
