Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over a fire outbreak that destroyed shops and goods at the main Timber Market (Kasuwar Katako) along the Railway Station in Gombe, leaving many traders without their means of livelihood.
In a statement, the governor described the incident as a major setback for traders who depend on the market for daily income and extended his sympathies to all those affected by the inferno.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya directed the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies to immediately assess the damage, investigate the cause of the fire and provide emergency relief to victims to cushion their losses.
Read Also: Hong Kong Fire Exposes Urban Vulnerability and Systemic Neglect
He commended the Gombe State Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, firefighters from Gombe State University, private tanker operators, security agencies and the Nigerian Red Cross Society for their swift response, which helped contain the fire and prevent further destruction.
The governor also assured affected traders that the state government would take necessary steps to mitigate their losses and strengthen preventive measures to avert future incidents, reaffirming his administration’s plan to establish a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fire service office in the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was also briefed on an accident involving a firefighting truck during the response and expressed sympathy to those involved, praying for their quick recovery.
He urged residents to remain calm and prayed for comfort and strength for all victims of the incident.
