Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has announced a relief package of N1 billion for the Maiduguri Monday Market fire incident victims.

Mr Zulum announced the support in a broadcast after visiting the market.

He said the support was to provide urgent assistance to victims, pending an assessment of the damage caused by the incident.

“I really feel the pains of everyone affected by this incident. I commiserate with all of you,” Mr Zulum said.

He also announced the set-up of a committee that would include representatives of the victims, to speedily assess the damages and compile a comprehensive list of those affected and their losses.

“I am going to see Mr President and seek presidential intervention on how to get support for victims.

“We will also reach out to other humanitarian establishments to seek help.

“We will be taking firm measures towards preventing the re-occurrence of this fire disaster,” Mr Zulum added.

An early morning fire on Sunday destroyed most of the market, while angry traders attacked and injured people, including a female journalist working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

(NAN)