Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt sympathies to traders affected by the recent inferno that engulfed a section of the popular Jos Main Market, vowing that his administration will not abandon them in their time of need. Speaking during a condolence visit to the scene of the tragic incident, Governor Mutfwang assured the victims that their suffering is not being overlooked, declaring, “Your pain is my pain.”

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 30, 2025, ravaged scores of shops and stalls, destroying goods worth millions of naira and leaving hundreds of traders in shock and despair. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, but preliminary investigations point to an electrical fault in one of the affected blocks.

The Jos Main Market, often referred to as “Terminus Market,” is one of the busiest commercial hubs in Plateau State and a lifeline for thousands of small-scale traders and artisans. The fire has not only disrupted businesses but has also plunged families into economic uncertainty.

Governor Mutfwang Visits the Scene

Governor Mutfwang, who arrived at the site hours after the fire was contained, was visibly moved by the extent of the destruction. Touring the charred remains of shops, he consoled emotional traders, some of whom wept openly as they recounted the loss of years of hard work and investment.

“This is indeed a very sad day for us as a state,” the governor said. “Seeing firsthand the devastation this fire has caused to hardworking citizens who depend on this market for survival is heartbreaking. I want to assure every affected trader that the government will stand by you. We are already assessing the damage and will take immediate steps to support your recovery.”

He further pledged to ensure a full investigation into the cause of the fire and promised that his administration would review safety protocols across public markets in the state to prevent a recurrence.

“We Are Not Abandoning You”

Governor Mutfwang’s message struck a chord with many of the affected traders. He reiterated that the state government will set up an emergency relief fund and a special committee tasked with evaluating the extent of losses and coordinating support measures. These measures will include financial assistance, provision of temporary trading spaces, and long-term rebuilding of the market.

“We are not abandoning you,” the governor said. “We are one people, and in your pain, I see my own pain. We will rise from this tragedy together. Help is on the way.”

The governor also appealed to federal agencies, private donors, and humanitarian organizations to join hands with the state in providing relief to those affected.

Traders Speak Out

Many traders expressed gratitude for the governor’s prompt visit and his show of empathy. However, they also voiced their fears about the uncertain future ahead.

Mrs. Kaltume Musa, who sells fabric and textiles, said she had just stocked up goods worth over ₦2 million a few days before the fire. “Everything is gone now. I don’t even know how to begin again,” she said tearfully. “But the governor’s presence here gives us hope. If he truly helps us as he said, we can try to rebuild.”

Another trader, Mr. Joshua Gwani, emphasized the need for quick government intervention. “We don’t want empty promises. We need real help, and we need it fast. This market is our only means of survival,” he said.

Lawmakers and Community Leaders Respond

The inferno has also drawn reactions from lawmakers and community leaders across Plateau State. The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, described the incident as “a tragic loss not just for the traders, but for the entire state,” and called for a comprehensive safety audit of all public markets in the state.

He pledged the Assembly’s support for any legislative measures that will facilitate emergency funding and reconstruction of the Jos Main Market.

Traditional leaders, including the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, also expressed concern and called on the people to remain calm and united during this period of recovery. “We must support our brothers and sisters who are going through this hardship. We are stronger together,” he said.

Calls for Modernization and Safety Reform

In the aftermath of the fire, calls have intensified for the modernization of Plateau State’s major markets. Many observers believe that poor infrastructure, overcrowding, and lack of safety mechanisms contribute to the frequency and scale of market fires in Nigeria.

Urban planner and economist Dr. Lydia Pam suggested that the tragedy could become an opportunity for structural reform. “This is a wake-up call. We need to rethink how our markets are built and managed. Proper electrical installations, access to emergency exits, fire safety drills, and insurance for traders must become standard,” she stated.

A Path Forward

While the Jos Main Market fire has undoubtedly brought pain and disruption, the response from Governor Mutfwang and the state government points to a commitment to turn tragedy into transformation. The promised relief measures and reconstruction efforts could serve as a blueprint for market safety and disaster response across Plateau State.

As cleanup operations begin and affected traders count their losses, the hope remains that words will soon turn to action, and that this devastating loss will give rise to a more resilient and safer trading environment for the future.