The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed a tragic fire incident that destroyed at least 563 shops at the Karar Yan Katako Market in Sokoto State. The fire, which broke out at approximately 3:15 am on Tuesday, raged for two days before being brought under control by the Sokoto State Fire Service.
According to a statement from NEMA, the fire heavily impacted the building materials section of the market, which is primarily known for trading in wood, roofing materials, pipes, and fittings. The blaze marks the second fire at the market in January, with a previous incident occurring in the grinding machines section just days earlier.
“This is the second time in January this year that the market has suffered a fire incident,” the statement noted. “The first occurred in the grinding machines section in the first week of January, while the second affected the wood and building materials section.”
After a prolonged battle with the flames, the Sokoto State Fire Service was able to bring the situation under control, preventing further devastation. The fire destroyed not only the shops but also valuable inventory such as wood, roofing sheets, nails, toilet fittings, and pipes.
Governor Aliyu Ahmed expressed his condolences over the loss, conveying his sorrow at the destruction of the Sokoto Timber Market, also known as Kasuwar Yan Katako. The state government has pledged to assist affected traders and rebuild the market in the coming weeks.
As Sokoto State deals with the aftermath of this massive fire, local businesses and traders are left grappling with the devastating financial impact.