Fire razes over 10 shops at Jos terminus market despite prompt firefighting response

2026-03-15 - 09:16

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos JOS – A fire on Saturday night gutted parts of the popular Terminus Market (Jos Main Market) in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, destroying more than 10 shops, even as firefighters and emergency teams worked swiftly to contain the blaze. The fire broke out around 10:00 p.m., sending thick plumes of smoke into the night sky as flames spread through sections of shops and their merchandise. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Federal Fire Service, and Plateau State Fire Service collaborated to bring the fire under control, preventing what could have been a more widespread disaster. An eyewitness, Mr. Silas Lawrenzo, commended the rapid response, noting that the coordinated efforts helped limit the damage. “The firefighters acted quickly, and their teamwork averted a major catastrophe,” he said. Fortunately, no lives were lost during the incident. A visit to the market on Sunday morning revealed that the fire had affected over 10 shops, though authorities were unable to immediately determine the cause of the blaze. Market leaders called for further investigations to prevent similar incidents in the future.