By Thomas Samuel
Fire has destroyed a block of four shops at Mile Six Market in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. yesterday, according to eyewitnesses who said the fire started in one of the stores before spreading rapidly to other shops in the building.
They explained that efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by the scarcity of water and fire extinguishers in the area.
Sympathising with the affected traders, the District Head of Howai in Kona Chiefdom, Michael Vakkai, described the incident as heartbreaking. He said the wave of fire outbreaks in the state is alarming and urged residents to be vigilant and keep the contact numbers of fire service officials.
Two of the shop owners, Blessing Akeh and Moses Baba, expressed deep sadness over the incident, lamenting that their investments were wiped out within a twinkle of an eye. They appealed to public-spirited individuals to come to their assistance.
Also speaking, the youth leader of Mile Six, Emmanuel James, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the efforts of young entrepreneurs had been destroyed. He added that the fire could not be brought under control because the area lacks a functional borehole.
Community leaders commended the efforts of the Federal Fire Service for swiftly responding to the distress call.
Records show that from January to February this year, the state has witnessed a series of fire incidents. The most devastating among them include the destruction of Wukari Local Government Secretariat, The Significant Place International Ministries mobile link in Abuja Phase One, More Pharmacist, and the Maoka Form warehouse at ATC, among others.
Recently, the Federal Controller of Fire Service in the state, Yakubu Dungus, urged residents to exercise caution while using electrical appliances.
In response to the rising cases of fire disasters, Governor Agbu Kefas has constituted a high-powered committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incidents. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations soon, as residents continue to call for improved equipment and rapid response capacity for both state and federal fire services.
