The Adamawa State Government on Wednesday confirmed the huge losses suffered by victims of a fire that destroyed a large section of a major grains market in Dumne, Song Local Government Area.
The market was hit by the destructive fire in the early hours of Monday, January 19, at a time when virtually every Dumne resident was asleep, catching traders completely unprepared.
The deputy governor of the state, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, who visited the ravaged Kasuwan Dadi Grains Market and interacted with affected traders on Wednesday afternoon, described the incident as devastating for the more than 60 traders whose shops were burnt.
She lamented that the losses would have an unfortunate impact on the wider economic fabric of the state.
Farauta said, āWe came to commiserate with traders who lost their merchandise and pray that the fire doesnāt happen again.ā
Although the deputy governor visited Dumne days after the incident, the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
While thanking God that no life was lost, the deputy governor cautioned residents against the careless burning of refuse and bushes, especially during the harmattan season.
Farauta added, āWe are in dry season and harmattan season, fires can catch easily; people should be careful when they set fire or throw away sticks of cigarettes. Traders should ensure that at the end of the dayās business, any fire put to any use is properly put off.ā
In his remarks, the paramount ruler, the Gubo Yungur, John Dio Matalo, thanked the high-powered government delegation led by the deputy governor and stated categorically that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
The Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Awwal Tukur; the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edgar Sunday; the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris; and the state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Idris Bande, were among the dignitaries who visited Dumne with the deputy governor.
Adamawa government confirms losses in mysterious Dumne market fire
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