A late-night fire outbreak has devastated the Bayan Tasha market in Damaturu, Yobe State, destroying shops and goods worth millions of Naira. The fire, which started in the area behind the motor park, spread rapidly, leaving a trail of destruction and impacting the livelihoods of many traders.

The fire began late in the night, catching shop owners off guard. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, but eyewitnesses reported that it spread quickly, consuming several shops before help arrived.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, arrived at the scene to tackle the flames. They were supported by local residents who rushed in to assist in extinguishing the fire and salvaging what they could from the affected shops. Their efforts helped to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the market.

While no lives were lost in the incident, the fire caused significant financial losses to traders. Many shop owners lost their entire stock, with some estimating their losses in millions of Naira. The exact value of the damage is yet to be fully assessed.

One trader, visibly distraught, said, “Everything I worked for is gone. I don’t know how I will recover from this.”

The incident has drawn sympathy and support from residents and community leaders. Mustapha Mohammed Gujba, a resident of Damaturu, expressed his condolences on Facebook, writing:
“We pray that Allah grants comfort to those affected and replaces their losses with something better.”

Many locals have called for improved safety measures in the market, including better fire prevention systems and quicker response times from emergency services.

The Bayan Tasha market is a critical economic hub for Damaturu, serving as a livelihood source for many traders and a shopping destination for residents. The government and relevant authorities are expected to assess the situation and provide support to affected traders.

This tragic incident highlights the need for stricter fire safety measures in public spaces. Traders and market administrators must work together to implement measures such as:

• Ensuring the availability of fire extinguishers and fire safety training.
• Regular inspection of electrical systems to prevent faults.
• Quick access routes for emergency responders.