By Achile Danjuma
A late-night fire swept through the Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, destroying more than a dozen shops and goods worth millions of naira.
The blaze, which began around 10:00 p.m., broke out after traders had closed for the day, according to eyewitnesses. This marks the latest in a series of fire incidents at the commercial hub, coming just three months after a similar fire gutted another section of the market.
A visit to the scene on Sunday morning revealed extensive damage, with over 10 shops razed. Clothing and footwear were among the items completely consumed by the fire.
Although the exact cause of the inferno remains unconfirmed, some affected traders suspect an electrical fault may have triggered it. Market authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the cause.
Emergency responders were praised for their swift intervention. A combined team from the Federal Fire Service, Plateau State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) worked together to contain the flames.
Mr. Silas Lawrenzo, a witness, commended the coordinated response, noting that the rapid action prevented what could have become a much larger disaster. “Their quick response helped limit the spread and stopped the fire from ravaging more of the market,” he said.
Saturday’s incident is the third fire outbreak at Terminus Market within the past year, raising concerns over the vulnerability of the busy trading center. Successive fires have resulted in the loss of property worth millions of naira, with traders repeatedly counting their losses.