Chaos erupted at the Bayan Tasha market in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, as an early morning fire destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
The blaze tore through the popular market, reducing numerous shops, kiosks, and structures to ashes.
The inferno caused extensive damage, leaving traders counting their losses.
The Yobe State Fire Service confirmed their swift response, which prevented the flames from spreading to nearby residential areas.
Adamu Yaro, a senior official from the Fire Service, stated, “The fire was extinguished after we received a distress call in the early hours of December 3.”
The incident has reignited public debate over the locked and unused Damaturu Modern Market, a facility built at significant expense.
Many residents have expressed concerns that leaving traders in makeshift and vulnerable conditions increases the risk of such disasters.
Meanwhile, a massive fire broke out at Moniya Market in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday, leaving 17 shops gutted and causing extensive damage.
The inferno, which started around 12:30am, was suspected to have been caused by an electrical surge.
According to Punch, the fire led to significant destruction, ruining valuable goods and large quantities of cash.
Witnesses noted that the fire spread quickly, prompting an urgent response from the fire service to contain it and reduce further losses.
