Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has expressed shock and sadness over the fire outbreak at the Bayan Tasha market in Damaturu.

An early fire incident razed down about 50 shops at the popular Bayan Tasha market in the state capital.

According to an eyewitness, the incident started at about 2.00 am on Tuesday when electricity was restored in the area at the time all the shop owners had closed.

Hours after the incident, the governor described the incident as sad and unfortunate at the challenging moment of economic hardship.

This was contained in a statement by the Director General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed.

The governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the extent of damages in the Damaturu market fire incident of Tuesday.

“This fire incident is sad, most unfortunate and ill-timed considering the economic hardships faced by the people,” the statement read.

“l have directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take stock of the number of shops, traders affected and the estimated value of the loss.”

Buni also called on the people to always take proactive measures against fire outbreaks, especially as the cold harmattan season sets in.

Earlier, his Deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, had visited the scene and announced a donation of ₦20 million to cater for the immediate needs of the victims before the comprehensive report is completed and handed over to the government.

Although no life was lost in the incident, a total number of 46 shops were destroyed with over 200 individuals affected.