How Plateau traders lost over N1bn to midnight inferno
Hundreds of traders woke up on Wednesday morning to count their losses after a devastating fire engulfed a significant section of the temporary Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State. Located in the city’s heart, the market serves as a major hub for traders dealing in clothing, footwear, handbags, and various fashion accessories. The inferno, which […]
jos fire
Hundreds of traders woke up on Wednesday morning to count their losses after a devastating fire engulfed a significant section of the temporary Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State.
Located in the city’s heart, the market serves as a major hub for traders dealing in clothing, footwear, handbags, and various fashion accessories.
The inferno, which started around 11pm on Tuesday, destroyed over 500 shops, with losses estimated at more than N1 billion, according to market authorities.
Speaking to journalists, the market chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Ibrahim, said, “We have lost more than 500 shops, although the evaluation of capital loss is ongoing. However, I can confirm that goods worth over N1 billion have been destroyed.”
Describing the scene as chaotic, Ibrahim appealed to relevant authorities for assistance.
When asked about the cause of the fire, he stated, “I received information that it began around 11pm, but I can’t confirm the exact cause. What I can say is that it wasn’t due to an electrical fault, as we always ensure the main fuse is removed before leaving the market.”
He expressed concern over the fire service response, claiming that firefighters failed to show up despite personally visiting their office on Masallacin Juma’a Street.
“After calling them, there was no response. I went to their office and found all operational vehicles grounded. I then contacted Hon. Adamu Aliyu, our representative in the Plateau State House of Assembly, who reached out to the Government House. Eventually, one fire truck was dispatched from Bukuru,” he said.
However, the only vehicle could not effectively combat the fire due to depleted water supply.
“By the time the truck returned after refilling, a large portion of the market had been gutted,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Director of the State Fire Service, Caleb Polit, were unsuccessful.
But service personnel who spoke anonymously refuted the chairman’s claims, saying, “It’s not true that all our vehicles are grounded. We responded to the distress call, but upon arrival, traders attacked us with stones and denied us access to the scene.”
Witnesses confirmed that the fire broke out long after market activities had closed for the day.
Malam Aliyu Gudus, a first aid worker with the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter and a nearby resident, said, “We saw flames a few minutes before 11pm. Initially, we thought it was a single shop, but when we got closer, it was clear the entire market was involved. Security initially barred us, but shop owners later arrived, and we were allowed to assist.”
Our correspondent observed that the incident left many traders devastated.
Usman Hassan, whose shop was destroyed, said, “I still don’t know the cause. I was at home around midnight when a friend informed me. I rushed down only to find everything gone. I lost everything.”
Another trader, Haruna Abbas, who sells second-hand clothes, said, “This incident has caused a serious setback. Our livelihoods are gone. We’re pleading with the governor to come to our aid. Our investment has vanished.”
Market burns twice in 6 years
This is the second major fire at the market in six years. In 2019, a similar incident destroyed numerous shops and property worth millions of naira.
However, traders said the latest inferno is far more devastating.
Zakari Saleh, General Secretary of the market, said, “What we’ve experienced in this incident is beyond comparison to the 2019 fire.
“The scale of destruction this time is overwhelming. The way the flames consumed the shops is beyond measure. While we suffered losses in the past, this recent inferno is unmatched in its devastation.”
Saleh said while the previous fire was believed to be electrical, the cause of this one remains unknown. “Vigilantes suspect another electrical fault, but this is yet to be confirmed,” he added.
Inferno blow to state’s economy – Plateau govt
The Plateau State Government expressed deep sadness over the incident at the Terminus market in Jos.
In a statement, the State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said: “The state government extends its heartfelt sympathies to the affected traders and their families. This tragic fire incident is a severe blow to the state’s economic hub, and we share in the grief of all who have suffered losses.”
Ramnap emphasised the importance of collaboration among market stakeholders to prioritise safety and put preventive measures in place to avoid future occurrence.
“Traders are urged to maintain peace across the state despite the hardship they are currently facing due to the incident.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration stands firmly with the affected traders during this difficult time and assures them of the government’s commitment to providing support to mitigate the impact of the tragedy,” Ramnap added.
JRG condemns attack on firefighters
The Jos Ummah Renaissance and Development Association, also known as the Jos Renaissance Group (JRG), condemned the attack on firefighters during the incident.
In a statement signed by its chairman Barr. Lawal Ishaq and Secretary Barr. Munir Abdullahi, the group said, “We are saddened by the fire that destroyed hundreds of shops. We also regret the actions of some unruly youths who frustrated efforts by fire services from the state, the University of Jos, and other organisations. Some even stoned and damaged vehicles.
“It is becoming all too common for some youths to obstruct the efforts of the fire service during outbreaks in the Jos city centre. This behaviour is unacceptable and must be condemned. The Jos Renaissance Group (JRG) urges our youths to reconsider their actions. Fire disasters are tragic events that require collective support and compassion—not disruptive or unruly conduct.”
The group urged the state government to investigate the cause of the fire and assist victims with clearing the debris and rebuilding.
“Most of these traders are low-income earners who rely on daily sales to support their families. They need urgent help,” the group said.
Lawmaker calls for immediate support
Hon. Adamu Aliyu, who represents Jos North-North in the Plateau State House of Assembly, sympathised with victims and called for immediate government intervention.
In an interview with newsmen, Aliyu said: “A lot of wealth has been lost—I’ve learned that property worth about a billion naira was destroyed. These people urgently need government intervention.
“As I sympathise with the victims and pray that Allah restores what they have lost. I also call on the Plateau State Government to direct the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide timely support.
“I equally urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to intervene and offer immediate assistance to the victims.”
He also commended Governor Mutfwang for his prompt directives that mobilised a fire service vehicle during the emergency.