FIRE GUTS 20 SHOPS AT JOS TERMINUS MARKET, LOSSES RUN INTO MILLIONS. (PHOTO).

 FIRE GUTS 20 SHOPS AT JOS TERMINUS MARKET, LOSSES RUN INTO MILLIONS

25th December

A late-night fire outbreak has razed more than 20 makeshift shops at the Yankwalli section of the popular Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, destroying goods and property valued at millions of naira.

The inferno reportedly broke out at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and rapidly spread through the densely packed temporary structures, leaving many traders counting heavy losses.

As at the time of filing this report, pockets of fire were still smouldering, while efforts were ongoing to completely put out the blaze.

Eyewitnesses told Benue Info-pedia, that panic gripped the area as flames tore through the cluster of shops, fueled by the close layout and flammable materials used in their construction.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and relevant authorities are expected to commence investigations.

Traders and residents commended the Plateau State Fire Service and security personnel for their swift response, which helped prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the market.

No casualties were recorded in the incident. However, the fire has dealt a major blow to affected traders, many of whom depend solely on the market for their daily livelihood.

Some of the victims appealed to the government for urgent assistance to help them recover from the losses.

Fire outbreaks remain a persistent problem in many Nigerian markets, often linked to congestion, substandard structures and limited access to firefighting facilities. Investigations are expected to guide preventive measures to avert future occurrences.