The Sokoto Central market is engulfed in flames, with the motorcycle section bearing the brunt of the fire, according to eyewitness reports.
The fire, which began early this morning, has caused extensive damage, although the exact cause remains undetermined. Initial accounts suggest that the blaze originated from a dump site in close proximity to the motorcycle section.
Shehu Muhammad, Chairman of the Motorcycles Marketers Association, expressed the challenge of quantifying the extent of the damage due to the ongoing intensity of the fire. He lamented the loss suffered by many shop owners who were unable to salvage their property as the fire erupted around 6 am.
Efforts to contain the inferno are underway, with federal and state fire services battling the flames. However, Muhammad acknowledged the likelihood of a prolonged firefighting operation before the situation is fully brought under control.