The National Emergency Management Agency has said sparks from a welding activity caused the fire outbreak that razed dozens of shops at the Old Market in Sokoto State.

NEMA, through its Sokoto Operations Office, disclosed this on Tuesday on its official Facebook page after conducting an assessment exercise at the scene of the incident.

The agency stated that an eyewitness told emergency officials that the fire started during a welding operation on a shop door.

“An eyewitness said the fire was triggered by sparks from a welding activity while a welder was repairing a faulty shop door,” NEMA said.

According to the agency, the fire, which broke out at about 10:00 am on Sunday, affected approximately 60 shops.

“The incident affected about 60 shops, with goods worth millions of naira destroyed,” the statement read.

NEMA listed items destroyed in the inferno as beverages, biscuits, nylon materials, cosmetics and other assorted merchandise.

“Items destroyed include beverages, biscuits, nylon materials, cosmetics and other assorted goods,” it added.

The agency said operatives of the Fire Service responded promptly and were able to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market.

“The prompt response of the Fire Service helped to contain the fire and prevent further spread,” the agency said.

NEMA noted that many shop owners were left under serious financial pressure after losing their means of livelihood, adding that the assessment exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency to guide appropriate response measures and possible interventions.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, visited the scene of the incident and pledged government support to affected traders.

Speaking during the visit, the governor described the incident as unfortunate.

“The impact of this inferno goes beyond the affected traders; it also affects the government and the entire people of Sokoto State,” Aliyu said. (The PUNCH)