Kebbi State has pledged N60 million to support timber traders hit by a recent fire in Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Idris assured victims of full recovery efforts, urging resilience and promising business restoration.
The Kebbi State Government has stepped in to support timber traders affected by a devastating fire incident in Birnin Kebbi, with Governor Dr. Nasir Idris announcing a total donation of N60 million to cushion their losses.
The announcement came during the governor’s visit to the scene of the inferno, where he extended his sympathies to the affected members of the Timber Sellers’ Association. The state government has contributed N50 million as official relief support, while Governor Idris personally added another N10 million as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
Addressing the victims during the visit, Governor Idris urged them to remain strong and accept the incident as part of divine will. “On behalf of the state government, we are donating the sum of N50 million to help you recover some of the losses you have suffered,” he stated. “This administration is committed to standing with its people in times of distress.”
He further assured that the government was putting measures in place to assist the affected traders in restarting their businesses. A full assessment of the damage will be carried out to guide ongoing relief efforts and determine additional areas where intervention is needed.
“This tragedy is not the end. We will make sure the affected traders get the necessary support to rebuild and resume their livelihoods. The state will not leave them behind,” Governor Idris said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
In response, the chairman of the Timber Sellers’ Association, Bello Dan-Sambo, expressed deep gratitude for the governor’s timely visit and generous donations. He described the governor’s actions as a huge morale booster for the community in its time of need.
According to Dan-Sambo, a total of nine timber merchants were directly affected by the fire, with estimated cumulative losses standing at about N191.7 million. The losses include stockpiles of timber and other commercial materials that went up in flames during the unfortunate incident.
He lauded the governor’s intervention, describing it as unprecedented and reassuring. “This is not just about money. It’s about leadership and standing with your people when they need you the most. We sincerely thank His Excellency for his compassion and prompt response.”
The governor’s gesture has been widely praised as a reflection of his administration’s people-centered approach and proactive governance style. Many observers say this timely response will not only provide financial relief but also restore hope to the victims who feared their businesses were gone for good.
Meanwhile, government officials have been tasked with commencing a proper evaluation of the total damage and identifying other forms of support needed, including rebuilding assistance or loans for affected merchants.
The fire, which broke out recently at the timber market in Birnin Kebbi, razed several shops and storage spaces, sending shockwaves through the local business community. Although the cause of the incident has yet to be officially confirmed, the impact has been devastating for those whose means of livelihood were tied to the now-destroyed goods.
As recovery efforts begin, affected traders are hopeful that with the government’s backing and the resilience of the community, they will soon be able to resume normal operations.
This incident marks another instance where state-level intervention has played a key role in disaster response, with Kebbi’s administration earning commendation for its swift and human-focused approach to crisis management.
