A fire outbreak in Sokoto metropolis has caused the death of four persons, a daughter to Secretary to the State Government of Sokoto, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and her three children.
The deceased mother was also the wife of the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, Muhammadu Yusuf Bello.
Only the husband survived the fire which affected the entire 6-bedroom flat while family was sleeping.
Personnel of the state fire service were unable to put out the fire as it had already consumed the house before their arrival.
The remains of the 4 deceased members of the family are slated for burial at Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque, Sifawa, the family home of the Sokoto State SSG.
The state deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, members of the state executive council, APC stalwarts, friends and well-wishers have been trooping to Sifawa for burial rites and condolence.
Sokoto govt confirms death of SSG’s daughter, others
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has confirmed the tragic fire outbreak in the early hours of Monday that claimed the lives of Rabi’atu Sifawa, daughter of the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Sifawa, along with her three children and a house help.
A statement from Malam Abubakar Bawa, Press Secretary to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, confirmed that the fire occurred at around 3:00 a.m. at the family’s residence.
“The victims of the unfortunate incident include Rabi’atu Sifawa and her three children—Fatimatu, Maryam, and Abubakar—as well as their house help, Aishatu Muhammad,” Bawa disclosed.
He also confirmed that the funeral prayers were held in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government Area.
“Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi; Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala.
“Other notable attendees were representatives of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the state Chief Judge, the state Grand Khadi, members of the State Executive Council, and legislators,” he said.
Bawa extended condolences to the family, praying for Allah’s mercy on the departed and for strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.