News
Sokoto market fire: Federal Fire Service DG visits scene, sympathises with traders
The Controller-General, Federal Fire Service (FFS), Mr Ibrahim Liman, on Monday, visited the Shehu Shagari Modern Market in Sokoto State to commiserate with traders over the recent fire incident in the market.
Our correspondent reports that part of the market, popularly called New Market, was gutted by fire on Jan. 19, with traders losing goods worth millions of naira.
Liman said that the visit was to assess the extent of damage and offer advice to the state government on how to prevent future fire outbreaks.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, he noted that it had led to the loss of the livelihood of many traders.
“When the incident occurred, I was monitoring it from Abuja, and from the reports I got, it was difficult for our men and fire trucks to access the market.
“If there was early access to the market, I am sure the destruction would not be of this magnitude.
`Unfortunately, some natural factors, such as the wind, aided the spread of the fire because this is harmattan season.
“Our men did their best and I was also informed that the Minister of Environment deployed a bulldozer to the scene to break down shops for our men to gain access,’’ he said.
Liman advised the state government to construct the roads leading to the market for easy access, in case of fire incident.
He also called for the provision of sources of water, such as fire hydrants and borehole, in the market.
The controller-general disclosed that in 2019 and 2020, statistics indicated that Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states recorded the highest number of fire outbreaks during harmattan.
“In 2019, we had over 1,000 fire outbreaks in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states while in 2020, we had over 1, 356 in the three states.
“That shows that we need to pay more attention to this part of the country, especially with deployment of more fire fighting trucks and personnel,’’ he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, thanked the controller-general for visit, adding that the state government had set up a committee to probe the incident.
“With the involvement of the federal fire service and other stakeholders, when investigative report is put together, we will advise the government to ensure that the road leading to the market is not obstructed.
“Building plans must be respected. Unfortunately, the various fire hydrants spots now have shops built on them by the same people who we are trying to protect.
“The market needs to go back to the way it was initially built to avoid being caught unawares like this,’’ he said.
The Sultan urged the federal fire service to train firefighters, acquire more modern fire-fighting equipment and trucks to fight fire outbreaks.
Mr Abubakar Altine, Chairman, Sokoto Market Traders’ Association, said that the association was willing to cooperate with the state and federal fire services to ensure that such an incident was averted in future.
Altine said that many traders could not salvage their goods due to bad road leading to the market.
“They could not even turn their vehicles around to exit the market, and this caused more traffic and prevented fire-fighters from getting to the scene’’ he said.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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