A series of fire in Minna, Niger State capital has left traders and business owners with losses, exposing gaps in emergency response and community relations.
At the Gwari Market, fire destroyed shops and goods worth millions of naira. The fire occurred in the morning when traders were opening their shops. The reason for the fire has not been ascertained.
Another fire occurred at Tunga, opposite the GTbank and behind a Motel, resulting in property damage, including a furniture store, a gas cylinder shop, and parts of the motel.
The fire would have been subdued, but for youths who obstructed firefighters attempting to control the blaze.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire service was contacted immediately the fire started, but their late arrival angered the youth, who stoned the firefighters while chanting “ba mu so” (we don’t want you). The aggression forced the firefighters to flee for safety, leaving residents to battle the inferno.
Community members attempted to extinguish the fire with limited resources, including a water tanker from a nearby construction company. However, the absence of proper equipment and the fire’s intensity resulted in extensive damage.
Eyewitnesses suggested the delay may have been caused by ongoing road construction hindering access, urg ing patience and cooperation with emergency responders.
“The youth’s actions only escalated the situation,” one observer noted. “We must work together and exercise restraint during emergencies to avoid worsening tragedies,” one of the eyewitnesses said.