…warns against fraud
A Government-appointed Relief Committee has warned traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at Singer Market against submitting false claims, declaring that anyone found attempting to defraud the intervention process risks disqualification and possible prosecution.
Speaking during an on-site inspection of the devastated market, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, the Committee Chairman, said the visit was aimed at conducting a first-hand assessment of the scale of destruction and reinforcing transparency in the distribution of relief funds.
Ibrahim, who is the serving Secretary to the State Government of Kano, described the incident as one of the most devastating experiences for any community, he said the committee members were deeply moved by the extent of losses recorded.
“From what we have seen, apart from loss of life, this level of destruction is one of the worst tragedies a human being can endure. While no one can truly replace what has been lost, we are committed to ensuring that support reaches those genuinely affected”, he said.
The chairman disclosed that the Committee used the visit to deliver a “strong and unambiguous message” to traders, particularly those directly impacted by the fire.
According to him, the warning was conveyed in the presence of representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Commissioner of Police.
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He stressed that the committee, composed largely of senior citizens with longstanding reputations, would not compromise its mandate.
“We will not condone dishonesty or tolerate any act capable of undermining the purpose for which these funds were donated. Anyone who thinks they can manipulate the system should know that the least consequence is forfeiting any support meant for them. The worst could be imprisonment”, he warned.
He added that it would be morally unacceptable for anyone to attempt to benefit from the suffering of others.
“If we cannot assist those in misery, we should not survive on their misery,” he said.
The chairman revealed that significant contributions had already been made toward alleviating the hardship faced by the traders.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had donated N5 billion, while the Progressives Governors Forum contributed N3 billion. In addition, some private donations running into millions of naira have been received directly by the traders.
However, he noted that preliminary assessments suggest the total value of goods and property destroyed could exceed N20 billion.
“The magnitude of destruction is monumental. From our mental assessment alone, the losses are far beyond N20 billion,” he said.
While assuring that the disbursement process would be transparent and accountable, the Committee appealed to Nigerians and corporate bodies to extend further support to the affected traders.
He disclosed that the State Government had opened a dedicated account for donations and pledged that detailed accounts of all funds received and disbursed would be made public.
