Devastating Fire Guts 500 Shops in Nigeria’s Jos Main Market — Philanthropist Bernard Doro Calls for Urgent Government Action

By Lawrence Zongo
Dr. Bernard Muhammad Doro, a Nigerian-American philanthropist and founder of the Bernard Doro Vision Initiative, has extended heartfelt condolences to hundreds of traders who lost their livelihoods in a devastating fire that engulfed approximately 500 shops at the popular Jos Main Market in Plateau State, Nigeria. Speaking from his base in the United States, Dr. Doro urged Nigerian authorities to take immediate action to investigate the root causes of the fire and support affected business owners.

In the early hours of Monday morning, a massive fire swept through Jos Main Market—one of the largest commercial hubs in North-Central Nigeria—leaving behind a trail of ashes, destruction, and despair. Over 500 shops, belonging to small and medium-scale business owners, were reportedly destroyed. While no human lives were lost, the scale of economic loss is monumental, and recovery could take years for many of the affected traders.

Reacting to the incident, Nigerian-American humanitarian Dr. Bernard Muhammad Doro described the tragedy as not only sad but “devastatingly tragic.” His foundation, Bernard Doro Vision, is known for its grassroots outreach and support for victims of crises, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for the people of Jos and Plateau State as a whole. The livelihoods of hundreds of hardworking citizens have been destroyed overnight. These are not just shops; they are life investments and legacies,” Dr. Doro said in a public statement issued Monday afternoon.

Though the fire did not claim lives, witnesses said the damage was widespread and total, affecting traders dealing in textiles, electronics, foodstuffs, and other essential commodities. Eyewitnesses report that the fire began late in the night and spread rapidly due to the tightly packed structures and absence of prompt firefighting interventions.

Dr. Doro drew attention to a disturbing trend of recurring nighttime fires in Plateau State, referencing previous infernos at Katako and Laranto markets. “The pattern of these fires is alarming. Markets go up in flames in the dead of night, and each time, the victims are left to their own fate. This is not just a fire; this is an economic catastrophe,” he said.

He emphasized the need for urgent and transparent investigations into the root causes of the fire, including the possibility of deliberate sabotage. “Allegations of sabotage have already surfaced. If this is true, then it is a direct attack on the economy and peace of Plateau State. The government must not brush this aside. A full-fledged investigation must be conducted, and if foul play is found, the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” he said.

Beyond investigation, Dr. Doro called on both the Nigerian federal and Plateau State governments to immediately roll out economic relief packages to cushion the impact of the tragedy. “These traders need emergency support. Many of them depend solely on their daily earnings to survive. We urge the government to release funds, offer low-interest business loans, and provide rehabilitation programs,” he added.

The philanthropist also noted that it is time to implement preventive fire safety strategies in public markets. “This is a wake-up call. Fire hydrants, market surveillance, night patrols, and market-wide insurance schemes must become standard practice. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared again,” he stated.

Dr. Doro’s message also carried a note of spiritual encouragement. Addressing the victims, he said: “To those who lost everything in this tragic incident, please remain strong, resilient, and law-abiding. Do not lose hope. Your pain is seen and felt by all who care. I urge you to continue trusting in God for divine restoration and healing.”

He reaffirmed his foundation’s commitment to advocating for the welfare of vulnerable communities and hinted at plans to mobilize resources to assist victims of the Jos Main Market fire. “We will explore every possible avenue to partner with local organizations, humanitarian bodies, and government institutions to provide assistance. The people of Plateau must not walk this path alone,” he concluded.

The Jos Main Market fire has once again brought to light the precarious state of public infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and citizen safety in Nigeria’s informal sector. While the immediate focus remains on relief and recovery, the larger question looms: how many more markets must burn before long-term solutions are enforced?

As victims sift through the rubble and try to rebuild their lives, the call by leaders like Dr. Bernard Doro for justice, investigation, and support could be the rallying cry that drives meaningful change.