A fire has devastated the timber market in the Katako community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, destroying over 100 shops and goods worth millions of naira. The fire, which started on Sunday night, spread rapidly, leaving more than 200 people, mostly carpenters, affected.
Shuaibu Ali, Chairman of the Plateau State Carpenters Association, confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that while the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, it has been a recurring issue at the market. Ali recalled receiving a phone call around 11:00 pm on Sunday, alerting him to the blaze. By the time he arrived, the fire had already spread extensively, making it impossible to approach due to the intense heat.
“We rushed to the scene, but by then, the fire had spread to other areas. No one could even come close because of the heat. We immediately called the fire service and security agents for assistance,” Ali said.
Chris, Chairman of Jos North Local Government, also confirmed the incident, adding that emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, helped contain the fire. While the cause remains under investigation, the destruction has left many families and businesses in distress.
This marks another setback for the local community, as the fire has significantly impacted the livelihoods of those dependent on the timber market.
