A devastating fire broke out early Friday morning at the popular Nasarawa market, destroying at least 30 shops and leaving traders counting heavy losses. The blaze, which reportedly started around 2:00 a.m., rapidly spread through the market, fueled by flammable goods such as textiles, electronics, and food items. While no casualties were reported, the financial damage is estimated to run into millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed in a section of the market dealing in fabrics and quickly engulfed neighboring shops before firefighters arrived. Efforts to control the flames were hampered by inadequate water supply and poor access roads to the market. Many shop owners, upon hearing the news, rushed to the scene but could do little to salvage their goods.
Speaking to reporters, a visibly distraught trader, Mrs. Amina Suleiman, said she lost goods worth over ₦5 million. “I don’t know where to start. Everything I have worked for is gone,” she lamented. Other affected traders echoed similar sentiments, calling for government intervention and support to help them rebuild their livelihoods.
The Nasarawa State Fire Service confirmed receiving a distress call in the early hours of the day but cited delays due to the lack of fire hydrants in the market vicinity. “We did our best to contain the fire and prevent further spread, but the damage was already extensive by the time we arrived,” a spokesperson for the service stated.
Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed deep concern over the incident, assuring traders of the state government’s support. In a statement released later in the day, he pledged immediate relief measures and the establishment of a task force to investigate the cause of the fire. He also emphasized the need to improve fire safety measures in markets across the state.
This tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Nigerian markets to fire outbreaks due to poor infrastructure and a lack of preventive measures. Experts are urging market authorities to enforce stricter fire safety regulations, including the installation of fire extinguishers, hydrants, and access roads, to prevent future occurrences.
