Fire Ravages Masaka Market in Nasarawa, Leaving Hundreds Devastated
In a tragic turn of events, a massive fire tore through Masaka Market in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Friday night, December 27, 2024. The inferno, which began around 10:30 PM, raged well into the early hours of Saturday, December 28, destroying hundreds of shops and goods worth millions of naira.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the disaster. Joseph Jatau, a local resident, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” noting the speed at which the flames consumed the market. Usman Aliyu, a trader at the market, lamented the extensive damage, estimating that over 500 shops were gutted, including critical food storage areas.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and there have been no confirmed reports of casualties. However, the incident has exposed glaring inadequacies in fire safety measures within the market. Many traders expressed frustration over the lack of basic fire prevention infrastructure, calling for urgent reforms to safeguard public markets.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State visited the scene on Saturday morning to assess the damage. Addressing the affected traders, he expressed his heartfelt condolences and pledged immediate government intervention to support their recovery. “We will not leave you to bear this loss alone,” the governor stated, emphasizing plans to provide relief materials and financial assistance.
The fire has sparked widespread calls for improved fire safety protocols across public spaces in the state. As the affected community begins the difficult task of rebuilding, stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize the installation of fire prevention and response systems to avert similar tragedies in the future.
This devastating incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for proactive measures to protect lives and livelihoods in public markets. While investigations continue, the focus remains on providing swift support to the victims and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent a recurrence.