Kano Government Cautions Traders on False Claims Following Singer Market Fire

The Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), Umar Farouk Ibrahim, has urged traders impacted by the recent fire incident at Singer Market to refrain from submitting false claims. He stated that the government would not allow any behavior that could jeopardize relief efforts.

Ibrahim delivered this warning following an on-site assessment of the destruction caused by the fire at the renowned Singer Market in Kano.

Speaking to reporters after touring the damaged areas, the SSG explained that the committee's purpose for visiting was to obtain a direct estimate of the extent of the devastation.

"The main purpose of visiting the site of this unfortunate fire disaster is twofold. First, to give members of the committee the opportunity to carry out a first-hand assessment of the extent of damage to property in the market," he disclosed.

He characterized the devastation as significant, noting that the incident not only resulted in a loss of life but also represents one of the most difficult experiences for the victims.

"You can see the extent of the damage. Apart from death, such destruction is the most devastating experience a human being can endure. We pray to God to grant the affected traders the strength to bear the loss. No human being can fully replace what they have lost, but we will do our best to provide succour," he added.

The SSG indicated that the committee also took the opportunity to communicate a critical message to traders and stakeholders about the transparent distribution of relief funds.

He mentioned that this message was relayed through security and anti- corruption agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the office of the Commissioner of Police.

Ibrahim stressed that the members of the committee are reliable individuals who will not compromise the mandate entrusted to them by the state government.

"This committee is made up of people who have advanced in age and whose integrity is at stake. We will not compromise on the mandate given to us," he emphasized.

Additionally, he warned traders against fabricating claims in pursuit of relief funds.

"We clearly delivered a message to the traders, particularly those affected, that we will not endorse or tolerate dishonesty. We will not permit anything that undermines the purpose of these donations," he asserted.

The SSG cautioned that anyone found attempting to exploit the situation will face consequences, including possible legal action.

"As was rightly stated by the EFCC representative, the least such a person would suffer is losing whatever support would have been allocated to them. The worst could be imprisonment. That is how seriously we take this assignment," he warned.

He maintained that it would be morally indefensible for anyone to try to benefit from the misfortune of others.

"I don’t think it is appropriate for anyone to sit on a committee and allow people to profit from the suffering of others. If we cannot assist those in distress, we should not profit from their pain," he added.

Furthermore, Ibrahim appealed for support from compassionate Nigerians for the disaster victims, stating that the destruction far surpasses the funds received thus far.

He revealed that the Federal Government has contributed N5 billion for the affected traders, while the Progressive Governors Forum has provided N3 billion. He also noted that additional funds amounting to millions of naira have been directly received by the traders.

However, preliminary evaluations suggest that the overall losses might exceed N20 billion.

"The extent of the destruction is monumental. A mental assessment shows that the losses are far beyond N20 billion. We are appealing to good Nigerians to come to the aid of these traders," he stated.

Ibrahim assured donors that the Kano State Government is establishing a dedicated account to manage all contributions transparently.

"We assure the good people of Kano State and Nigeria that whatever is donated will reach the affected traders. We will provide a detailed account of all funds received and distributed," he committed.

The Singer Market fire has devastated numerous shops and destroyed goods worth billions, leaving countless traders grappling with losses and urgently seeking support to rebuild their businesses.