The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has sympathised with traders of Katsina and Zamfara States in North-west Nigeria on the recent fire incidence in the state.
The Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq noted with concern, the sad incidence which occurred in Katsina on Saturday and in Zamfara on Sunday.
“I received this afternoon, the sad news of the unfortunate fire outbreak at Katsina Central Market in Katsina state and TudunWada Market, in Gusau, Zamfara State.”
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, I extend my sympathy and condolence to the Government and people of Katsina and Zamfara States, especially the traders in the central market. I have instructed National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to render technical and relief support to the State while keeping me abreast of developments.
“While casualty figures and the actual cause of this disaster is being investigated, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development notes that scores of shops and goods have been destroyed.
“Similarly, property worth millions of Naira and over 60 shops were razed by fire following a midnight fire outbreak in TudunWada Market, in Gusau, Zamfara State capital,” she noted.
The Minister described the incident as unfortunate, saying that it came at a time the nation was combating and trying to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This underscores the Ministry’s determination as the Coordinator of all humanitarian and disaster interventions, to work diligently with all relevant Agencies and Stakeholders,” he stated
She adds that it would consolidate all hazard approaches and guidelines for disaster risk management that would prioritise building resilience for all markets and homes and ensure better prevention and response to fire disasters.
Lateefah Ibrahim
