A fire outbreak at the Jos Main Market, popularly known as Terminus Market in Plateau State, has destroyed over 500 shops, plunging hundreds of traders into anguish.
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The fire, which reportedly started late Tuesday night and raged into the early hours of Wednesday, razed a major section of the market where traders had resettled after being relocated from roadside stalls last year. The affected area consisted mostly of makeshift shops made from wood and zinc, where second-hand clothes, shoes, and baby items were sold.
Eyewitnesses said the blaze spread rapidly, leaving traders with little chance to salvage their wares. One of the traders, Misbau Kabara, disclosed that he rushed to the scene around 2 a.m. to assist his stepmother in saving her goods. He also noted that security personnel fired warning shots to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the chaos to loot shops.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. While some traders have hinted at arson, and others went as far as accusing the government, no concrete evidence has been presented to back such claims. The fire incident has sparked renewed fears among residents, given Plateau State’s history of instability and communal tensions.
In the aftermath of this latest disaster, many affected traders are calling for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments to support recovery and ensure better safety measures going forward.
