A devastating fire outbreak engulfed the popular Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, destroying property worth millions of naira.
The inferno, which caught many traders unaware, raged through the night, reducing numerous stalls and goods to ashes.
An witness who did not want her name in print said the fire started from a section of the market known for second hand clothes sales before rapidly spreading to other parts. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of filing this report.
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Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the blaze began but faced difficulties in containing the situation.
As at the time of filing this report, distraught traders and business owners were seen wailing at the scene, watching helplessly as their investments went up in flames.
Some victims lamented that they had stocked their shops with fresh goods only to lose everything overnight.
Security operatives were also deployed to the area to control the growing crowd and prevent looting, as emotions ran high among the affected traders and sympathizers.
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Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but the Plateau State government is expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, affected traders are calling for urgent support and relief to cushion the impact of the loss.
“We need government intervention urgently”; Musa Ibrahim told BusinessDay in tears.
Another victim who simply gave his name as Abubakar told BusinessDay that “I am finished”.
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