The Sokoto State Government has expressed condolences to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa, following the tragic loss of his daughter, three grandchildren, and their maid in a devastating fire. The incident occurred at around 3:00 am on Monday, when the fire engulfed the family’s six-bedroom flat while they were sleeping.

Victims of the Fire

The fire claimed the lives of Rabi’atu Bello Sifawa, the daughter of the Secretary to the State Government, along with her three children—Fatimatu Bello Yusuf, Maryam Bello Yusuf, and Abubakar Sadik Bello Yusuf—as well as the family maid, Aishatu Muhammad. By the time the Sokoto State Fire Service arrived, the house had already been completely destroyed, and no items could be salvaged. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with firefighters battling the blaze for hours before it was brought under control.

State Government Condolences

Sambo Bello Danchadi, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, described the incident as a tragic loss for the entire state. He expressed the government’s deep sympathy for the bereaved family, stating, “The Sokoto State Government and the entire citizens of the state mourn the death of the children and their mother. It is indeed a tragic loss.”

Danchadi also extended condolences to the Secretary to the State Government and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Sports, emphasizing the hardship this loss brings to the family. He offered prayers for the deceased, asking Allah to grant them all Aljannah Fridaus.

Funeral and Attendance

The funeral prayer for the deceased was held in Sifawa town, Bodinga Local Government Area, where numerous dignitaries attended to pay their respects. These included the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Muhammed Gobir; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; representatives of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; State Chief Judge, Justice Saidu Sifawa; Grand Khadi, Shuaibu Sodangi Achida; Chief of Staff, Government House, Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko; members of the legislature; and various commissioners and special advisers.

The remains of the victims were set to be buried at the Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque in Sifawa, the family home of the Sokoto State SSG.

This tragic incident has left the community in mourning, and the Sokoto State Government, alongside the citizens, continues to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.