The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss suffered by the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government (SSG), Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa. The heartbreaking incident, a devastating fire outbreak, claimed the lives of his daughter, three grandchildren, and a house help in the early hours of Monday.
In a condolence message, the NUJ described the incident as an act of God, acknowledging its deeply painful impact on the immediate family and the people of Sokoto State.
The Union extended its sympathy to the bereaved husband, Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf Bello, Permanent Secretary at the Sokoto State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, as well as to the entire extended family. They also conveyed their condolences to His Excellency Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, PhD; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto); and the entire Sokoto State community.
The NUJ prayed for Allah’s mercy on the departed souls and for divine strength for the family to endure the immense tragedy.
The victims of the fire, which broke out at approximately 3:00 am, were identified as Rabi’atu Bello Sifawa, daughter of the SSG; her three children, Fatimatu Bello Yusuf, Maryam Bello Yusuf, and Abubakar Sadik Bello Yusuf; and the house help, Aishatu Muhammad.
All five victims have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
The NUJ, in its statement signed by its Chairman, Usman Mohammed Binji, and Secretary, Muhammad Nasir Bello, joins the Sokoto State community in mourning this irreplaceable loss.
May their souls rest in perfect peace.
