Abuja — NIGERIA: Scores of traders at Maiduguri Monday Market, Borno State were left distraught as properties worth millions of naira were consumed by a raging inferno early Sunday morning.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around between 2am and 3 am but no life was lost in the tragic incident.
Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum visited the scene of the inferno but was pelted with stones by angry youths and traders despite the tight security attached to him.
The angry youths pulled down posters of the state governor and politicians while screaming “Ba muso, bamuso” (we don’t want, we don’t want).
The police rapid response squad and the military shot into the air to disperse the angry crowd while also throwing teargas.
Meanwhile, the State Governor has announced N1 billion relief package to provide urgent assistance to victims of the fire incident.
Governor Zulum disclosed the relief support for the victims in a state-wide broadcast after visiting the market Sunday.
The governor noted the support is to provide urgent assistance to victims pending assessment of the damage caused by the fire incident.
He also said: “We woke up today with a very sad and unfortunate fire disaster at the Maiduguri Monday market.
“This is very unfortunate but we believe that this is decreed by Allah.”
Zulum further stated: “I feel deeply pained by this incident, and I know how painful it is for anyone to work hard over the years to build his or her business, but end up losing that investment in seconds.
“I really feel the pains of everyone affected by this incident. I commiserate with all of you.”
According to him, the setting up of a committee that would include representatives of the victims, to speedily assess the damage and compile a comprehensive list of those affected and their losses.
The governor said: “I am going to see Mr. President and seek for presidential intervention on how to get support for victims.
“We will also reach out to other humanitarian establishments to seek help.
“We will be taking firm measures towards preventing re-occurrence of this fire disaster
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