Alhaji Sani Buda, the Director General of the Sokoto State Fire Service, has said the agency recorded 397 fire incidents from January to date across the state.
Alhaji Buda told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that six lives were lost while 24 lives were saved by the agency during the period under review.
“During the period we have been able to save property worth over N1.6bn, while N800m worth of property were lost.
“Moreover, our rescue operators were able to rescue no fewer than 24 lives who fell into fire and other disasters, while regrettably we lost the lives of six in other incidents,” he said.
On the agency’s challenges, he said most people did not appreciate the agency’s response time, adding that there was need for people to always utilise the available communication system provided by the agency to ensure quick response to incidents.
“People, especially drivers, should always make way for our fire fighting vehicles, as such remains a great challenge during our operations and continue to consume more time for our personnel to locate disaster areas.
“Moreso, there is need for more commitment of the government to enhance our operations, particularly on manpower and operational equipment,” the director general added.
On equipment, Buda said only nine fire fighting vehicles were operating across the state metropolis and neighbouring villages.
“We have nine operational fire fighting vehicles serving the state’s metropolis and neighbouring villages which are located at our five stations in the state.
“Three vehicles are stationed in the headquarters, two at the Government House, two at the Sultan Abubakar station and one each at our stations in Central Market and Shagon Goro,” he said.
He pledged the agency’s commitment and close collaboration with citizens in addressing the challenges of fire and other disasters, while calling on people to reciprocate. (NAN)
