Tragedy at Jos Terminus Market: Midnight Inferno Destroys Shops, Livelihoods
By Palang Paul
Jos, Nigeria — A devastating fire engulfed the iconic Jos Terminus Market in the Plateau State capital late Monday night, leaving behind smoldering ruins, shattered dreams, and an urgent call for support and reform.
The inferno, which eyewitnesses say began around 11:00 p.m., raged through the night, consuming rows of shops and goods worth millions of naira. Despite efforts by residents and emergency responders, the flames proved overwhelming, destroying a significant portion of the bustling market known as one of northern Nigeria’s oldest and largest commercial hubs.
“I was at home when I got a call that my shop was on fire,” said Amina Musa, a trader who has sold fabrics at the market for over 15 years. “By the time I arrived, everything was gone. All my goods, all my savings—this was our only means of survival. I don’t even know where to begin.”
Many traders, some in tears, stood helplessly at the site on Tuesday morning, surveying the wreckage of businesses built over decades. For some, it was not just the loss of merchandise but the erasure of generational livelihoods.
“I lost everything,” another trader, visibly distraught, said. “This wasn’t just a shop. It was my family’s future.”
Authorities from the Plateau State Fire Service, alongside security agencies, arrived at the scene early Tuesday to assess the damage and begin preliminary investigations. As of press time, the cause of the fire remains unknown.
In the wake of the disaster, Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang expressed heartfelt condolences via his official Facebook page. Calling it “a great loss to the state,” the Governor pledged that the government would “do everything possible to support recovery efforts and ensure such a tragedy is not repeated.” He urged citizens to remain calm and await the results of the ongoing investigation.
Former federal lawmaker and Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, also visited the market in the early hours of Tuesday to witness the devastation firsthand.
“This is a deeply tragic and trying moment for the affected traders,” Hon. Kwande said. “I came here immediately after receiving the news, and I did my best to contact the appropriate emergency services to help extinguish the fire.”
He further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to swiftly provide material and financial assistance to help victims restart their businesses.
“There’s an urgent need for fire service departments to be equipped with modern firefighting equipment, especially in and around major markets like Terminus,” he added. “This should be treated as a matter of priority by both state and federal governments.”
Hon. Kwande also appealed to corporate bodies, humanitarian organizations, and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of the victims, saying, “This is not the time to fold our arms. These traders need hope, and they need help now.”
The Jos Terminus Market has suffered several fire incidents in the past, raising renewed concerns about the lack of modern safety infrastructure. Stakeholders are now pushing for reforms, including constant power monitoring and installation of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and fire alarm systems to prevent future tragedies.
As charred remains of merchandise still smolder under the Jos sun, the overwhelming question remains on everyone’s lips: How do you rebuild a lifetime lost in just one night?
