A devastating fire broke out at the popular Katako Market in Laranto, Jos North Local Government Area, late Sunday night, destroying property worth millions of naira.
The incident, which occurred around 11 p.m., caught traders and residents off guard as businesses had already closed for the day. Eyewitnesses reported that several people rushed to the market to assist in containing the blaze, but significant damage had already been done by the time help arrived.
The chairman of the market, Alhaji Idris Shehu, confirmed the extent of the losses, stating that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. He noted that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
This latest tragedy follows a series of similar incidents at Katako Market. Last year, an electrical fault caused a major fire, destroying goods and vehicles.
Traders and community members are calling on authorities to investigate the recurrent fire outbreaks and take measures to prevent future occurrences.
