The Sokoto State Government on Friday gave out N169million cash as assistance to fire disaster victims in the state.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal also unveiled 10 new fire fighting trucks while at same time laid the foundation stone for additional eight fire stations to be constructed across the state.
Presenting the cheques at a ceremony in Sokoto, Tambuwal said it is important for the government to intervene to enable the victims rebuild their lives.
He especially expressed sadness over the fire disasters that claimed lives and property worth millions of naira at various markets in Sokoto since 2016.
Stall owners in Sokoto Old Market got a total of N81,218,000. Those at the Kara Yan Katako market got the sum of N54,238,950 while traders at Kasur Daji market were assisted with money totalling N33, 822,129.
The eight new fire stations will be located at Sokoto Central Market, Sokoto Old Market, Mana Karama Area, Bado, Runjin Sambo, Old Airport Housing Estate, Mana Babba and Morey Area of Sokoto metropolis.
According to Tambuwal, everything possible is being done to ensure that the disasters do not occur again.
He appealed to the people to take serious interest in their safety, saying government efforts need to be complimented to ensure success.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Isa Sadiq Achida, said from January to December 2016, Sokoto Fire Service recorded 418 cases of fire outbreaks which claimed 12 lives while property worth N1.2 billion were destroyed.
He added that this year alone, more than 300 fire outbreaks have been recorded.
Achida however commended the fire service for saving property worth N2.6 billion from last year to date.
