Fire
By Peter Uwumarogie
Gombe, Dec. 16, 2025(NAN) Timber Sellers Association, Gombe State chapter, said some of their members lost goods worth over N600 million to Monday’s fire outbreak that destroyed several shops at Kasuwa Katako Market, Gombe.
Mr Mohammed Ahmadu, the Chairman of the association, said this during the visit of the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Manassah Jatau, to the market on Tuesday to commiserate with them.
He said that no fewer than 60 shop owners with goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed with nothing to salvage.
“At least N600 million worth of goods were destroyed in the fire that started around 7.30p.m on Monday,” he said.
Ahmadu begged the state and the Federal Governments, through its relevant agencies, to assist them with urgent relief to enable them fend for their families.
Reacting, Jatau said that the state government in collaboration with relevant agencies would carry out the necessary assessment towards providing urgent relief to the affected persons.
He urged the traders and their association to evaluate the frequent fire outbreaks, recalling how a fire outbreak had devastated some shops at the other section of the market three weeks ago.
He urged them to be more careful in handling electrical installations for their safety and that of their property.
While thanking God that no life was lost, Jatau said that the administration of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State remained committed to the wellbeing of all citizens.
He said that the state government would assist the affected persons towards getting the necessary assistance needed.
On his part, Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi, the Executive Secretary, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency while commiserating with the affected persons, said assessment was ongoing for immediate intervention.
Abdullahi said that the fire outbreak, such as many others in Gombe State, was suspected to have been caused by electrical issues, describing it as unfortunate.
“We will carry out a thorough assessment of the situation towards ensuring that we tackle any reoccurrence of this in the future.
“We will also strengthen awareness drive as we have always carried the leaders of the association along during safety and emergency response training,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
UP/CEO
Edited by Chidi Opara
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