Sokoto’s Kara market engulfed by fire, grain stores and shops destroyed

DDM News

A raging fire swept through Sokoto’s Kara Market on Saturday, reducing grain stores, shops, and other businesses to rubble.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the inferno, which started in the early hours of March 1, caused widespread destruction, leaving traders and residents scrambling to salvage their belongings.

Kara Market, a well-known commercial hub in Sokoto State, is a major center for grain trading, attracting merchants from different parts of the country.

Established decades ago, the market plays a crucial role in the region’s agricultural economy, serving as a distribution point for grains, cereals, and other essential commodities.

Over the years, it has expanded, accommodating traders dealing in livestock, household goods, and general merchandise.

However, the devastating fire has left its future uncertain, as many shop owners and traders have suffered significant losses.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire erupted suddenly, spreading rapidly due to the highly flammable nature of the goods stored in the market.

Traders and security personnel made frantic efforts to contain the blaze, but their attempts were largely unsuccessful.

Before the arrival of the Sokoto State Fire Service, the inferno had already consumed a vast section of the market, reducing shops and warehouses to ashes.

As firefighters battled to contain the flames, panic spread among traders and nearby residents.

Shop owners rushed to retrieve whatever goods they could, while others watched helplessly as their life’s work was destroyed.

Some traders lamented the loss of their investments, stating that they had stocked large quantities of grains in anticipation of rising market demand.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, though speculation among traders and officials varies.

Some suspect an electrical fault, while others believe that an unattended fire from one of the makeshift cooking spots in the market may have triggered the disaster.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but investigations are expected to commence once the situation is fully under control.

Meanwhile, fear of the fire spreading to surrounding areas has prompted many residents near the market to relocate their belongings.

With strong winds fanning the flames, nearby shop owners and homeowners are taking precautionary measures, moving goods and household items to safer locations.

The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency is expected to assess the extent of the damage and offer possible assistance to affected traders.

Efforts to reach the market’s general manager for comments proved futile, as he was actively involved in managing the crisis.

According to sources, he was seen coordinating efforts to prevent looting and maintain public order within the market.

Security personnel have also been deployed to safeguard properties and ensure that the fire does not lead to criminal activities.

This fire outbreak is one of the worst disasters to hit Kara Market in recent years.

Traders are now calling on the government and relevant authorities to provide emergency relief and assist in rebuilding the market.

Many of them, especially small-scale traders, fear that without support, they may never recover from the financial blow.

As the authorities continue their investigations and assess the damages, the focus remains on restoring order and ensuring that Sokoto’s Kara Market, a vital economic hub, regains its operations as soon as possible.

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