Gov. Bala Mohammed has ordered the immediate release of funds to assist victims of a fire that razed Sabuwar Kasuwa along Railway Road in Bauchi metropolis.

It was gathered that the fire disaster, which occurred on Tuesday, June 1, affected 25 shops with goods worth millions of naira destroyed. The cause of the fire is still yet unknown.

On Sunday, June 5, Governor Bala visited the scene of the incident to sympathize with the victims and witness the level of damage.

He also gave the order for the release of the funds as immediate assistance to the victims and promised to restructure the Sabuwar Kasuwa market as part of his administration’s desire to modernize markets across the state.

“As part of our administration’s desire to modernise markets across the state, we will also consider restructuring this market to advance business activities and further assist in reducing the level of fire disasters in marketplaces,” Mr Mohammed said.

Earlier, Kabiru Kobi, a director in the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the agency had already assessed the damages to enable proper documentation and intervention by the state government.

“Your Excellency, 25 shops were affected as a result of this fire incident, and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed.

“SEMA has conducted an assessment of the damages for proper intervention and assistance by the state government to alleviate the sufferings of the victims,” explained Mr. Kobi.