Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe on Saturday expressed shock at a fire outbreak that destroyed over 300 shops at Nguru Market.
Buni made this known in a statement by his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu.
He described as sad and unfortunate the yearly reoccurrence of the fire incident which had continued to rob traders of their means of livelihood.
“Government will continue to explore means of making life meaningful to the people.
“This explains why this administration is committed to building modern markets with fire-proof materials across the state to safeguard our traders and their means of livelihood.
“Government will ensure timely completion of the modern markets and allocate them to our traders to improve their means of livelihood,” he said.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the damages and furnish government with the details for necessary action.
Alhaji Ibrahim Adam, Chairman, Traders Association in the market told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred about 7 a.m. on Saturday.
He said the fire which was triggered by high electric voltage, destroyed over 300 shops containing fabrics, used clothes, shoes, provisions, amongst others.
He called on the state and local governments to assist in rehabilitating the market which was critical to commercial activities in the area. (NAN)
