A late-night fire at the Central Market in Gusau, Zamfara State, has destroyed at least 103 shops in the perishable goods section.
The fire, which started around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, raged for hours before it was extinguished by 2 a.m. on Monday. Although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed, a firefighter suggested it was triggered by an electrical surge after power was restored.
Traders estimate losses in millions of naira, with some fearing they may never recover. Market association chairman, Alhaji Inusa Saminu, criticized the state fire service for delayed response, saying its market station lacked a working fire truck.
A firefighter confirmed their challenges, revealing that units from other locations had to intervene.
The state fire service declined to comment, stating that only the agency’s Executive Secretary, who was unavailable, could address the issue.
