Dambatta Fire: Kano govt pledges to support victims

The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over a fire outbreak that razed farmlands, granaries (rumbu in Hausa), and livestock in the Zago community, Dambatta Local Government Area.

The government also pledged financial support to the affected victims to cushion the losses and help them recover from the devastation caused by the fire.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, who visited the community on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, disclosed this on Friday.

Sagagi sympathized with the victims and assured them that the government would assess the losses and provide compensation to alleviate their suffering. 

A delegation comprising officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) called on the community to assess the damage and compile a report. 

SolaceBase reports that the fire erupted on Wednesday morning around 10:30 AM, destroying farmlands, and food supplies worth millions of naira, and killing over 40 sheep and goats. 

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Eyewitnesses said the fire also destroyed over 20 grain storage units, two houses, and at least two cattle.

The disaster has left residents in distress, especially with the fast approaching Ramadan month, as their food reserves were wiped out. 

The Commissioner conveyed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s concern: “The governor called me this morning with a deeply disturbed voice, instructing me to immediately visit this village along with other officials to assess the losses so that the victims can be supported.

“He also assured that the issue of the bad road leading to this community will be addressed.” 

Recounting the incident, the District Head of Zago, Malam Yunusa Isma’il, said the source of the fire remains unknown, describing it as a test from God. 

“I was at home when I heard people shouting ‘fire, fire.’ I rushed to the scene, but there was nothing we could do. I immediately phoned the chairman, who contacted the fire service.

“However, due to the long distance and poor road conditions, they couldn’t arrive on time. Even when they did, they lacked proper equipment, and their vehicle had only a small amount of water,” he lamented. 

He added that another fire service unit from Dawanau was later contacted, but by the time help arrived, most of the damage had already been done. 

Despite the devastation, the district head expressed gratitude to the government delegation for their visit and support. 

Similarly, the Chairman of Dambatta Local Government, Alhaji Jamilu Abubakar Danbatta, commended Governor Yusuf’s efforts and the swift response of the officials.