The Sokoto Fire Service has confirmed a fire outbreak that gutted part of the old market in Sokoto.
The Head of Operations in Sokoto Fire Service, Mr. Mustapha Abubakar, who confirmed the incident, said that the inferno started about 11:00 pm on Monday and lasted till 2:00 am on Tuesday.
He said that the affected shops included those belonging to those selling cosmetics and cloths.
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Abubakar said that officials were at the scene investigating the cause of the incident which destroyed about 20 shops.
He promised that an accurate report would be issued on the incident after investigations.
Abubakar said firefighters worked throughout the night to put out the inferno.
He warned members of the public against reporting fire incidents late.
He also warned against blocking the movement of fire fighting engines during incidents.
Traders, early in the day besieged the affected site, counting their losses and assisting victims on temporary arrangements to re-settle.