Foundation Supports Gombe Timber Market Fire Victims with N10m Donation

From Abubakar Rabilu Gombe

The Velocity Humanitarian Foundation has donated N10 million to traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at the Gombe Timber Market, popularly known as Kasuwan Katako, to help ease the impact of the disaster.

The donation, presented to the market leadership on behalf of the Foundation’s founder, Engr. Aliyu Muhammad Kombat, followed the inferno that destroyed several shops and goods estimated to be worth millions of naira.

Speaking at the presentation, the Chairman of the Foundation, Adamu Aliyu Ibrahim, said the organisation was in the market to sympathise with traders who lost their sources of livelihood and to offer timely assistance.

“We are here to identify with the victims of this unfortunate fire incident. Many traders suffered heavy losses, and our founder felt it was necessary to intervene quickly to support them,” he said.

Ibrahim said the Foundation has remained committed to humanitarian causes, including medical support, provision of boreholes, payment of school fees, and assistance to vulnerable persons. He called on other well-meaning Nigerians, particularly business owners and those in the diaspora, to support victims of disasters and complement government efforts.

He also expressed concern over the repeated fire outbreaks in the market within a short period and urged relevant authorities to strengthen safety measures, including the establishment of a fire service facility within the market.

Also speaking, the Foundation Secretary, Safiyanu Ya’u, said the ₦10 million was released to help affected traders recover and restart their businesses.

He advised the market leadership to ensure the funds are distributed fairly and reach those genuinely affected by the fire.

In his response, the Chairman of the Timber Market, Muhammad Sani Ahmadu, commended the Foundation for the timely intervention, describing the donation as a major relief to the victims.

“This support has restored hope to many of us who lost everything in the fire. It will go a long way in helping traders get back on their feet,” he said.

The traders appealed to the Gombe State Government to establish a fire service unit within the market to prevent future occurrences.