A devastating fire swept through Popular Sokoto Old Market on Sunday, destroying more than 30 shops and leaving dozens of traders grappling with heavy losses. Among the hardest hit was the Group Three Marketing Shop, an upstairs complex that housed multiple businesses, which was completely consumed by the blaze along with several adjoining stalls.

The fire, which erupted in the early hours, destroyed goods including bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, seasonings, and other essentials, with losses estimated in the millions of naira. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, though traders suggested that persistent power outages and surges may have contributed.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as shop owners tried desperately to salvage items. “It was like watching years of hard work vanish in minutes,” said trader Malam Sani Zamau.

The Sokoto State Fire Service eventually brought the fire under control after several hours, preventing further spread. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though the emotional and financial toll on traders was palpable.

Affected business owners have called on the government and well-meaning individuals for urgent support, emphasizing the need for enhanced fire safety measures, reliable power supply, and assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.

This tragedy highlights the vulnerability of Nigerian markets to fire incidents, particularly for small-scale traders, who form the backbone of local economies. The incident also comes shortly after the Sokoto State Government began reconstructing the central Sokoto Market, which was gutted by fire in 2021 in a multi-billion naira project.