Inferno Razes Lafia Modern Market, Destroys Goods Worth Millions

A devastating fire outbreak at the New Modern Market in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, has destroyed goods worth millions of naira, leaving traders counting their losses. The inferno, which began around 9:30 pm on Thursday, raged through the night and was only extinguished on Friday morning.

Extent of Damage

The fire gutted over 30 shops, most of which were made of wood, a factor that contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Muse Abdullahi, a victim whose shops were affected, revealed that the fire consumed 70% of the shops, including newly delivered sewing machines and other valuables.

“The shops that caught fire included 40 new sewing machines delivered just hours earlier, along with clothes and shoe shops,” Abdullahi lamented.

Challenges in Controlling the Fire

Efforts by the Nasarawa State Fire Service to contain the blaze faced significant setbacks. The intense heat repeatedly forced firefighters back, and the presence of refuse dumps in and around the market exacerbated the situation.

Eyewitnesses criticized the delayed response of the fire service, alleging they arrived over an hour late and struggled to find water to combat the inferno. “We waited for them, but their late arrival and lack of preparation meant the damage was already done,” Abdullahi stated.

The fire raged on until the early hours of Friday before firefighters managed to bring it under control, extinguishing it between 8:00 am and 9:15 am.

Calls for Preventive Measures

Abdullahi and other traders appealed to their colleagues to exercise caution, particularly with electrical appliances, during the Harmattan season. Witnesses also pointed out that the accumulation of refuse near the market played a role in escalating the fire.

“The heaps of refuse are a health hazard and contributed to the intensity of the fire,” one eyewitness remarked, urging the government to provide designated dumping sites to prevent future incidents.

Fire Service and Government Response

The Director of the Nasarawa State Fire Service, Ombogus-Joshua, confirmed the incident and highlighted the challenges his team faced. He appealed to the public to prioritize safety measures, including proper disposal of waste and careful use of electrical appliances.

As traders seek to recover from the losses, there are calls for the government to provide assistance and address safety lapses in the market to avert similar tragedies in the future.