…Gov Mutfwang expresses “deep sorrow” over the incident.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Following the fire outbreak in Jos “Terminus” Market at the early hours of Wednesday, the Plateau State Government has expressed deep sympathy and sadness over the unfortunate incident, which gutted several stalls and destroyed goods worth millions of naira.
The State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, has expressed its sympathies to the affected traders and their families.
Describing the unfortunate fire outbreak as a “devastating blow” to the state’s economic hub, she said, “We share in the grief of those who suffered losses.
“The government also commends the bravery and swift action of the Fire Services and other volunteers, who were involved in putting out the fire.
The government also calls on all market stakeholders to work together in prioritizing safety and implementing necessary measures to avoid a recurrence of such unfortunate events.”
On the other hand, traders are urged to continue to keep the prevailing peace in the state, in spite of the hardship that they might be going through as a result of the inferno.
The commissioner further affirmed that, “Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration is committed to stand with the affected traders during this challenging time,” and assured them of government’s support in mitigating the effects of the incident.
She noted that, “The governor has also mobilized a team to look into the cause of the inferno so as to forestall future occurrence.”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command says it received a distress call in the early hours of 30th of April 2025, at exactly 12:05am, reporting a fire outbreak at the Jos Terminus Market.
“On receiving this report, the Commissioner of Police immediately mobilized a team of officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations to the scene, to tackle the issue.
“As a result of our joint efforts with the Federal Fire Service, other security agencies and the good people of Plateau State, the fire was successfully brought under control and subsequently extinguished.”
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbmiga Adesina, also visited the scene to sympathize with the shops owners and assess the level of damage.
“He has also put in place additional security measures around the Market and nearby communities, to prevent any future occurrences of the incidence and forestall any possible breakdown of law and order in the general area.
“The Command has launched an investigation into the incidence, to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak and the possible value of the properties destroyed.
“Therefore, we have cordoned some roads leading to the market and restricted movements around the restricted area. We, therefore, advise the general public to avoid these roads, and make use of alternative routes, until preliminary investigations are concluded,” he said.
According to him, “These measures are put in place, in the interest of the peace and safety of the general public, and not to victimize any person or body of persons.
“We, therefore, encourage the good and peace-loving citizens of Plateau State to furnish the Police with accurate and timely information regarding the incidence.
In the same vein, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of goods and livelihoods by affected traders, describing the incident as a “significant setback for many families and businesses.”
According to him, he has been duly briefed by security agencies that the fire was likely caused by an electrical spark, a risk exacerbated by the nature of the makeshift structures erected around the premises of the burnt Jos Main Market.
He stated this on Thursday when he paid a visit to the scene of the incident, also to sympathize with the affected traders at the Jos Terminus Market. “It is painful that a moment of carelessness or negligence could lead to such devastating consequences,” the governor stated.
The governor further stated that, “The tragedy has come at a time when the state is already grappling with numerous security and economic challenges,” and pledged his administration’s support to those affected.
This was an effort to address the humanitarian challenges caused by the recent fire outbreak at the makeshift market near the Terminus area in Jos North Local Government Area.
“I want to sincerely commiserate with all the traders who lost their goods. It is a huge setback, but I assure you that the government, in collaboration with the Jos North Local Government Council and your union, will explore ways to support you in rebuilding and restarting your businesses,” he said.
While appealing for cooperation from traders as government explores safer, more structured alternatives for business operations across Jos metropolis, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment – “to ensuring that our people thrive and not slide deeper into poverty.”
“Therefore, we will not fold our arms. We are already considering safer, well-planned markets across the city, and you will be informed of government’s decisions as soon as consultations are concluded,” he stated.
He further assured residents that the government would take concrete steps to rehabilitate and secure the site of the incident, emphasizing that any decision taken will serve the collective interest of Plateau people.