A fire outbreak on Sunday night destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira at the old market in Sokoto.
The fire, which started around 10.00pm, lasted for about three hours before it was put off by firemen, traders and Good Samaritans, including Gov. Aminu Tambuwal.
The market, locally known as Kasuwar Dan-Jabalu, is reputed for selling clothing materials, foot wears and jewelleries, as well as exchange of foreign currencies.
A cross section of the affected traders described the incident as an act of God.
“This is a tragedy from God, and we have taken it as such as faithful Muslims.
“We are however soliciting for assistance from the Federal and Sokoto State Governments, public spirited individuals and groups,” one of the traders, Abdulkadir Mainiyo, said.
Meanwhile, Governor Tambuwal has expressed deep sympathy with the traders and promised to assist them.
A statement by his spokesman, Imam Imam, said that the government would set up a committee to investigate the incident.
“The committee will also recommend the necessary assistance to be rendered to the victims,” the statement added.