In a tragic turn of events, a late-night inferno razed sections of Masaka Market in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, leaving behind charred remains of shops and goods worth millions of naira.
The fire, which reportedly started around 11:45 pm on Friday in a commercial bathroom, locally known as “kidan wanka,” spread rapidly, engulfing shops dealing in electronics and perishable goods.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with traders helplessly watching their livelihoods go up in flames.
Musa Hudu, a trader at the market, expressed his devastation. “The fire was so intense that we couldn’t salvage anything. Everything we worked for is gone. We rely on this market to feed our families, and now, we are left with nothing but ashes. We appeal to the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to assist us in rebuilding our lives.”
Another affected trader, John Samuel, highlighted the lack of fire services in the area as a significant factor contributing to the scale of the disaster.
“Firefighters arrived around 2:00 am, hours after the fire had destroyed everything. It is unacceptable that a major market like Masaka lacks adequate fire service coverage. We need the government to prioritize this to prevent future losses,” he said.
The Director of the Nasarawa State Fire Service, Builder Ombogus-Joshua, confirmed the incident and attributed the delayed response to logistical challenges, including a vehicle breakdown. “We are investigating the incident to determine the full extent of the damage,” he added.
This incident comes barely weeks after a similar fire ravaged Lafia’s Modern Market, destroying at least 30 shops in the Tailoring Section.
The recurring tragedies have intensified calls for improved fire service infrastructure in the state.
In response to these incidents, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly recently passed a bill establishing the Nasarawa State Fire and Rescue Service Agency.
Speaker Danladi Jatau assured residents that the new law aims to enhance emergency response and prevent such disasters.
