Traders at Gombe’s well-known timber market, Kasuwar Katako, were thrown into anguish on Monday night after a massive fire swept through the area, destroying numerous shops and goods valued at several millions of naira.
The inferno reportedly broke out after the close of business in the Railway Station axis of the Gombe State capital. By the time help arrived, large sections of the bustling market had already been reduced to ashes, leaving many traders staring at the ruins of their livelihoods.
Reacting to the incident, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the fire outbreak as a deeply painful and distressing occurrence. He noted that the disaster had severely affected hardworking men and women who rely on the timber market to provide for their families.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs at Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor expressed heartfelt sympathy to the victims and reassured them of the state government’s support during the difficult period. He emphasized that the administration would not abandon those affected by the tragedy.
Governor Yahaya directed the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (GSEMA), in collaboration with other relevant agencies, to immediately carry out a thorough assessment of the damage, determine the cause of the fire, and provide emergency assistance to traders to help cushion their losses.
He also praised the prompt response of various organisations involved in tackling the blaze, including the Gombe State Fire Service, personnel from Gombe State University, the Federal Fire Service, private water tanker operators, security agencies, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society. According to the governor, their swift and coordinated intervention prevented the situation from escalating into a far more devastating disaster.
The statement further revealed that the governor was briefed about an accident involving one of the firefighting trucks during the rescue operation. Expressing concern, he offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the course of the emergency response.
While calling on affected traders to remain calm and resilient, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving fire prevention measures and emergency response systems across the state. He disclosed that plans are already in motion to establish a modern, well-equipped fire service facility to enhance the state’s capacity to handle similar emergencies in the future.
The governor assured residents that the government would take all necessary steps to reduce the occurrence of such incidents going forward, stressing that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for his administration.
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