The alarming incident was first brought to public attention by HB Mayana, an All Progressives Congress member, who shared harrowing images from the scene on X this morning. Expressing deep concern, Mayana lamented the significant losses suffered by traders in the affected sections of the market.

He wrote, "Sokoto Central market faced a devastating fire earlier today, particularly impacting the motorcycles and bicycle dealers. Preliminary reports suggest losses amounting to billions of Naira. Our thoughts are with the victims. May Allah reward them abundantly."

Eyewitness accounts shed light on the possible cause of the inferno, pointing to a dumpsite near the motorcycle section as the origin of the fire. Speaking to Punch, an eyewitness recounted the chaotic scene as flames engulfed the market.

Chairman of the Motorcycles Marketers Association, Shehu Muhammad, offered insights into the extent of the damage, highlighting the challenges faced by traders in assessing the full impact of the disaster. He remarked, "We cannot quantify the number of motorcycles burnt down by the fire now because the fire is still raging."

Muhammad further explained the logistical hurdles encountered by firefighters in their efforts to contain the blaze, acknowledging the daunting task ahead. "But many people lost their shops along with their motorcycles because they could not come in time as the fire started around 6 am," he revealed.

As firefighting teams from federal and state agencies continue their arduous battle against the inferno, the Sokoto Central market stands as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences wrought by such calamities. In the face of adversity, the affected community rallies together, united in the hope of overcoming this tragedy and rebuilding what has been lost.