Fourteen shops have reportedly been completely burnt after fire consumed a section of Katako Market in Jos north local government area of Plateau state. Lawal Kamal, the market leader said the fire started at about 3.30 am and had completely destroyed the section before the arrival of firefighters.
He explained that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. “The fire was caused by an electrical fault. This is not the first time the market is experiencing such an incident. In September this year, the electrical fault had destroyed the Timber B section.
“Jos Electricity Distribution Company has not been serious about the problem because it doesn’t check connections regularly,” Kamal said. He described the situation as very sad, noting that those affected by the fire would have to start afresh.
“It is very sad news. I feel like crying. I have been here since 3:30 am when the incident started. We have lost property worth N15m. Almost all those that are affected have to start afresh. You have seen it yourself. We thanked God there was no loss of life,” he said.
