Fires destroy ₦500 million onion stocks in Sokoto, investigations underway

Three fire outbreaks within one week have destroyed onion stocks valued at nearly ₦500 million across several communities in Sokoto State. Security agencies are investigating the incidents amid suspicions that they may be deliberate. The latest blaze in Duhuwa village destroyed 324 onion storage huts and 5,832 bags of onions. Similar fires previously occurred in Kojiyo village, destroying 2,275 bags, and in Dundaye, where over 2,000 bags were lost. In total, more than 10,000 bags of onions have been consumed. The National President of the Nigerian Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Aliyu Isah, noted the recurring nature of the incidents, stating that the pattern is becoming suspicious. Local accounts suggest the Duhuwa fire started in a single hut before quickly spreading. The financial toll is severe, with losses in Duhuwa alone estimated at over ₦204 million. Community leaders highlighted the lack of nearby water sources and limited firefighting capacity as factors that exacerbated the crisis. NOPPMAN has formally reported the incidents to security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, requesting a thorough investigation. Appeals have also been made to the National Emergency Management Agency and state authorities for urgent relief for affected farmers. Market watchers warn that sustained disruption in supply could lead to increased onion prices.