A raging inferno broke out in the early hours of Wednesday at the bustling Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, reducing properties worth millions of naira to rubble.
The fire, which reportedly began around 1:00 a.m., swept through the market while most traders were still asleep, consuming stalls and merchandise in its path.
According to an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous, the blaze started in the section of the market known for the sale of second-hand clothes before it quickly spread to adjoining areas.
As of the time of this report, the exact cause of the fire had not been determined.
Fire service officials arrived shortly after the flames erupted but struggled to gain control due to the intensity of the fire and the tightly packed nature of the market.
Traders and business owners, many in tears, were seen helplessly watching their shops burn, mourning the devastating loss of their livelihoods.
Some revealed that they had just restocked their shops before the tragedy struck.
To maintain order and prevent looting, security personnel were deployed to the scene as crowds gathered and emotions ran high.
While the Plateau State government is yet to issue an official statement, an investigation is anticipated to ascertain the root cause of the fire.
In the meantime, affected traders are appealing for immediate assistance to help them recover from the catastrophe.
“We need government intervention urgently,” a tearful Musa Ibrahim told newsmen.
“I am finished,” lamented another victim, who identified himself only as Abubakar.
