On Friday, the Kano State Government disbursed N28.4 million to assist 62 victims affected by recent fire incidents across the state. The initiative, part of a government effort to provide relief and support for those impacted by fires, was announced by Governor Abba Yusuf during an official ceremony in Kano.
Governor Yusuf, who was represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajiya Abdullahi, emphasized the administration’s commitment to helping residents recover from such losses. She stated, “We are here to console and support the victims and to help ease their pains with this token.”
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Isyaku Kubarachi, provided an overview of the damage caused by recent fire incidents in the area. He noted that these incidents led to property losses estimated at around N835.9 million.
“Out of the 62 victims, seven lost their lives, while 11 victims from the Dakata small-scale business community also benefited from the support,” he explained.
Kubarachi mentioned that SEMA had conducted a thorough assessment of each affected location to accurately report the damage to the state government for appropriate assistance.
Kubarachi expressed gratitude toward Governor Yusuf, the Nigerian Red Cross, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and other supporting organizations for their roles in assisting the victims. Their collaboration, he added, has been vital in addressing the needs of those affected by fire disasters and ensuring aid reaches those in need.
Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, the NEMA Coordinator for Kano’s Territorial Office, also addressed the event. He highlighted the importance of fire safety measures, especially for households that rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Abdullahi advised residents to be vigilant when handling flammable items and to make sure all electrical appliances are turned off before leaving home or going to bed. “Switching off their electrical appliances whenever they are going out or going to bed” could help prevent fires, he said.
Representing the beneficiaries, Ahmadu Sale from Tudun Wada in Nassarawa local government area, shared a tragic personal story, describing how his family members lost their lives in a fire caused by an electrical fault earlier this year. “My son, his wife, and five children lost their lives in an inferno due to an electrical fault sometime in 2024 at about 3:00 a.m.,” Sale said.
