Fire Destroys Parts of Jos Terminus Market, Millions Lost in Goods

A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday at Jos Terminus Market, one of Plateau State’s largest and most iconic commercial hubs, destroying properties and goods estimated to be worth millions of naira.

The blaze, which engulfed sections of the bustling marketplace in Jos, the Plateau State capital, was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Fire outbreak in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has destroyed some parts of the popular Jos commercial Terminus market,” Makama posted.
“Goods and properties worth millions of naira were burnt in the fire, which has since been brought under control, as of the time of filing this report.”

Eyewitness accounts and early reports suggest that several structures and stalls were reduced to ashes, leaving affected traders in deep distress. Many rushed to the site in a desperate attempt to salvage what they could from their shops.

Although emergency services were eventually able to contain the blaze, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of reporting. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to determine what triggered the outbreak and whether it could have been prevented.

The Jos Terminus Market has long served as a major trading hub in Nigeria’s north-central region, attracting buyers and sellers from across the country. The loss is not only financial but deeply emotional for business owners whose livelihoods depend on the market.

This incident adds to a growing list of market fires in Nigeria, raising questions about fire safety infrastructure, overcrowding, and emergency preparedness in densely populated commercial centers.

As the affected traders begin to pick up the pieces, calls for government intervention, compensation, and improved safety regulations are mounting across social media and civic forums.