A massive fire broke out at the popular Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, late Tuesday night, destroying over 500 shops and causing losses estimated to exceed N1 billion. The market, known for housing a large number of traders dealing in clothes, shoes, and fashion items, was reduced to rubble within hours.
The fire reportedly began around 11 p.m. and spread quickly due to the closely packed wooden stalls that dominate the temporary structure of the market. Traders only learned of the disaster early Wednesday morning, many rushing to the site only to find their businesses in ashes.
According to Alhaji Mustapha Ibrahim, chairman of the market, “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.” He described the situation as chaotic and appealed to authorities for immediate help.
While the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain, Ibrahim ruled out an electrical fault, stating that traders usually disconnect power before leaving for the day.
“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.”
One of the most painful aspects of the disaster, according to many eyewitnesses, was the delayed and inadequate response from the fire service. Ibrahim claimed that despite personally going to the fire service office, he found their vehicles not operational.
Only one fire truck reportedly arrived from Bukuru after a state lawmaker intervened. Unfortunately, the truck ran out of water, and by the time it returned, much of the market was already lost to the flames.
Traders, still in shock, are pleading for help. Usman Hassan 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, added, “This incident has caused a serious setback. Our livelihoods are gone. We’re pleading with the governor to come to our aid.”
This incident marks the second fire disaster at the market in just six years. Zakari Saleh, General Secretary of the market, noted that this time the destruction was far greater than the previous one in 2019. “The scale of destruction this time is overwhelming. The way the flames consumed the shops is beyond measure,” he said.
The Plateau State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, described the event as a major economic setback for the state. “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.”
The government also called on traders to remain peaceful and promised to provide relief through its emergency management agencies.
