Millions Lost As Fire Razes Section Of Gombe Timber Market

A fire outbreak on Monday night gutted a section of the Gombe Timber Market, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

Details of the incident remained sketchy at press time. However, eyewitnesses said a fire service truck responding to the incident crashed after hitting a tree and was unable to reach the scene.

They said state and federal fire service officials later managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading and razing the entire market.

Following the incident, there were growing calls for the state government to adequately equip the state fire service to improve its emergency response capacity, especially in view of the recurrence of such incidents.

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Meanwhile, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the fire outbreak, which affected the Gombe Timber Market, also known as Kasuwar Katako, located along the Railway Station in the state capital.

The inferno destroyed several shops, goods, and means of livelihood belonging to traders and business owners in the market.

In a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor described the incident as painful and distressing, noting that the scale of destruction represents a major setback to hardworking men and women who depend on the market for their daily sustenance.

He extended his sympathy to affected shop owners, traders, and others who suffered losses as a result of the fire, assuring them of the state government’s support during the difficult period.

In response to the incident, Governor Yahaya directed the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies to immediately assess the damage, investigate the cause of the fire, and provide emergency relief to affected persons.

The governor commended the Gombe State Fire Service, firefighters from Gombe State University, the Federal Fire Service, private tanker operators, security agencies, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and volunteers for their prompt response, which helped to contain the fire and prevent further damage.

He called on the victims to remain calm, assuring them that the government would take necessary steps to mitigate their losses and strengthen preventive measures to forestall future occurrences.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art fire service office equipped to complement existing firefighting facilities across the state, as part of efforts to protect lives, property, and investments.

The governor was also briefed on an accident involving a firefighting truck while responding to the incident. He expressed sympathy to those involved and prayed for their speedy recovery.

He further prayed for continued protection over Gombe State and comfort for all those affected by the incident.