Sokoto inferno: Assessment C’ttee begins victims verification, pledges transparency

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The committee constituted by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to assess the extent of damage caused by fire incidents at the Sokoto Central Market and Central Motor Park has commenced the verification of victims affected by the two separate incidents.
This was contained in a statement signed by Abubakar Bawa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday.
The acting Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gandi Umar Muhammad, led other members of the committee to interact with victims in order to assess the level of damage and losses incurred by the affected traders.
The Committee members moved from one shop to another, collecting data from affected traders to obtain accurate and comprehensive information on the number of shops destroyed by the fire at the two locations.
Briefing journalists during the exercise, the acting Chairman of the committee, Barr. Gandi Umar Muhammad, mni, said the decision to embark on the assessment tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the losses incurred 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.
“We are trying our best to ensure that we complete our assignment within the timeframe given to us,” Gandi added.
He commended the traders, especially those affected by the inferno, for the orderly manner in which they conducted themselves during the exercise.
“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.
Barr. Gandi assured the victims of a transparent, free, and fair exercise, emphasizing that the committee would neither compromise nor deviate from the terms of reference given to it by the government.
It will be recalled that Governor Ahmed Aliyu, on April 27, constituted 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.
According to him, all the equipment needed for the project had since been shipped to Nigeria and ferried to Sokoto, adding, “this is to ensure a 24-hour power supply to the water intake, water treatment and water distribution facilities.”
The General Manager added that the equipment included two giant Lithium batteries and inverters, while the Control Room had since been completed.
According to Engr. Aminu Haruna Mika’ilu, the construction of pillars for the installation of no fewer than 10,000 solar power panels has been ongoing smoothly.
He also disclosed that a proposal to rehabilitate and renew the decades-old water supply machines and other related accessories has been receiving the required urgent attention from Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.