A devastating fire tore through the Temporary Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, late Tuesday night, destroying over 500 shops and goods worth more than N1 billion. Traders and business owners are now calling for urgent government intervention to help them rebuild their livelihoods.
Market chairman Mustapha Ibrahim confirmed the incident, explaining that while the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, initial assessments suggest it was not due to an electrical fault. Many traders were left helpless as the inferno spread rapidly, consuming stocks of clothing, footwear, handbags, and fashion accessories.
The response from firefighters was reportedly delayed due to operational challenges, leaving traders frustrated at the lack of immediate assistance. By the time a fire truck arrived, much of the market had already been gutted.
Now, affected business owners are appealing to relevant authorities for relief measures, financial support, and improved fire safety infrastructure to prevent similar disasters in the future.
