A fire outbreak destroyed properties worth millions of naira at Laranto market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night. The incident reportedly occurred around 11 p.m., after the market had closed for the day.
Eyewitnesses say hundreds of people rushed to the scene to help put out the fire. Alhaji Idris Shehu, Chairman of the market, confirmed the event, stating that the cause of the fire is still unknown.
He explained that the blaze severely affected three sections of the market, including timber, second-hand clothing, and furniture. He added, “Although we can’t ascertain the exact amount of money lost at this moment, the severity of the damage indicates that we have lost millions of naira.”
Umar Alyu, Chairman of the Timber section, expressed disappointment, stating that if firefighters had arrived earlier, the losses would have been less severe.
He credited Jos North Chairman, Hon. JK Chris, and the Commissioner for Water Resources, for calling firefighters from the Government House to eventually extinguish the fire. “If not for their timely intervention, the situation could have been disastrous,” Alyu added.
