Breaking: Fire engulfs Sokoto market

Fire has engulfed old market in the late hours on Monday till early hours on Tuesday in Sokoto, destroying more than 10 shops.

The Sokoto Fire Service head of operations, Mustapha Abubakar, who confirmed the fire incident said the inferno started at about 11:00 p.m on Monday and lasted till about 2:00 a.m on Tuesday.

Speaking to News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar said the affected shops included those belonging to people selling cosmetics and cloths.

He also said officials were at the scene investigating the cause of incident and the damages it has caused, adding that accurate report would be issued on the fire incident.

The state fire service head of operations stated that fire fighters made efforts to stop the inferno throughout the night.

He commended members of the traders union and other agencies for the support and prayed against recurrence.

The operation officer warned members of the public against late report of fire incidents.

He also warned against blocking the movement of fire fighting engines during incidents.

Abubakar advised that people should not engage a fire before informing the agency, noting that the situation usually led to fire escalation before arrival of fire fighters.

According to NAN, traders surrounded the affected site, with their losses and assisting victims on temporary arrangements to re-settle.

Meanwhile, none of the traders responded to press inquiries and remnants were evacuated.