A midnight inferno has left the people of Sokoto State, particularly the family of the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammadu Sifawa, in grief and devasted.

The fire which engulfed the house while the family was sleeping burnt the SSG’s daughter, three grandchildren and maid to death.

The fire claimed the lives of Rabi’atu Bello Sifawa, daughter to the SSG and her three children, Fatimatu Bello Yusuf, Maryam Bello Yusuf, Abubakar Sadik Bello Yusuf as well a house help, Aishatu Muhammad.

She was married to the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, Muhammadu Bello.

The deceased have been buried in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government, according to Islamic rites and injunctions.

Gov, Wamakko, others mourn

Speaking moments after the funeral, Governor Ahmad Aliyi Sokoto, said the unfortunate incident has filled the Sokoto State government with grief adding that the state mourns with the SSG on the sad loss.

“It is with a heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sokoto State, extend my deepest condolences to the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, over the tragic loss of his daughter, Rabi’atu Bello Sifawa, her three children – Fatimatu Bello Yusuf, Maryam Bello Yusuf, Abubakar Sadik Bello Yusuf and their house help, Aishatu Muhammad, to the devastating fire incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday.

“This heartbreaking event has left us all in profound grief and sorrow. Losing such beloved family members in such an untimely and tragic manner is an unimaginable pain, and we stand in solidarity with you and your family during this difficult time.

“I also extend my prayers and sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant them eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and provide you with the strength, patience, and faith to bear this irreplaceable loss.

“As a government, we remain committed to standing by you and providing every necessary support as you navigate this challenging period.

“May Allah, in His infinite mercy, comfort the hearts of all who mourn and grant us all the fortitude to accept His decree.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,” he said.

Those in attendance at the funeral prayer were the Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammed Gobir, Speaker, House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, representatives of Senator and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the state Chief Judge, Justice Saidu Sifawa.

Also in attendance were the Grand Khadi, Shuaibu Sodangi Achida, Chief of Staff, Government House, Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko, members of the legislature, Commissioners, special advisers, Commissioner of Police, Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, representatives of the military and other security agencies, heads of government’s parastatals, permanent secretaries, local governments’ chairmen, serving and retired civil servants, politicians, ulamas and others.

Members of the State Executive Council (SEC), leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), friends and well-wishers have been trooping into Sifawa to offer their condolences and support to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, the state government has assured victims of the recent fire outbreak at Kara market in the state of support.

The fire razed about 50 shops and destroyed 132 grinding machines and food items, including rice, millet, and beans estimated at millions of naira.

During a visit to the market to sympathise with the victims, Alhaji Gobir announced that the government would set up a committee to assess the damage and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He also noted the importance of taking precautions during the harmattan season, which increases the risk of fire outbreaks, assuring victims that the government would provide support once the committee submits its report.

The fire had a significant impact on local businesses, affecting both indigenous and non-indigenous traders.

Chairman of the Grinders Association, Malam Yakubu Bello, said the destruction was huge, especially with the loss of grinding machines which are vital to market operations.

The Sun