Fire destroys shops, properties at popular market in Minna

A devastating fire outbreak on Monday morning ravaged Tunga Market in Minna, Niger State, destroying several shops and properties worth millions of naira.

The fire reportedly consumed a furniture store, a gas cylinder shop, and part of a nearby motel, causing significant losses for business owners and residents in the area.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the fire broke out suddenly, triggering panic as individuals quickly alerted the fire service.

However, frustrations grew among some youths due to the delayed response of the fire service, leading to hostility towards emergency responders who arrived at the scene.

However, it reportedly took over 30 minutes for the firefighters to reach the scene. Frustrated by the delay, angry youths began stoning the firefighters and chanting “ba mu so” (we don’t want you).

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The fire service driver, fearing for his safety, fled to Ostrich Bakery, while efforts by community elders to calm the youths were unsuccessful.

The hostility forced the firefighters to return to their base, leaving the residents to fight the fire with limited resources.

As the blaze intensified, locals struggled to contain it, scrambling for water. Despite the arrival of a water tanker from a nearby construction company, the lack of a long hose made their efforts largely ineffective. The flames spread, causing further damage to nearby properties.

An eyewitness urged the public to be more patient and not take the law into their own hands during emergencies.

“The youths’ ignorance and aggression worsened the situation, leading to devastating losses for shop owners and business operators.

“The fire service may have been delayed, but their presence was still critical in containing the fire. We must learn to give others the benefit of the doubt and work together in times of crisis,” the eyewitness added.