Fire engulfs Maiduguri Monday market

The biggest market in Borno, Monday market, has been razed down by fire, destroying many properties. Goods worth millions of Naira have been destroyed. The fire was said to have spread around 2am on Sunday. The last time the Monday market caught fire was more than 10 years ago. 

The cause of the fire is still unknown but eye witnesses say the fire started in the early hours of Sunday.

The market has over 10000 shops. Although the efforts from the fire service did not yield much results, some goods were saved. On the other hand, looters were seen trying to steal from some of the salvaged goods.

Gov. Babagana Zulum, on arrival at the scene, has pledged N1 billion emergency relief fund for victims of the Monday market fire.

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In a statement, the governors spokesperson, Mallam Isa Gusau, said Zulum had visited the scene of the incident and had mobilised armed forces to secure the area to prevent breakdown of law and order.

“We woke up today with a very sad and unfortunate fire disaster at the Maiduguri Monday Market. This is very unfortunate but we believe that this is decreed by Allah. Inna lillahi Wa inna ilayhi raajiun. I feel deeply pained by this incident and I know how painful it is for anyone to work hard over years to build his or her business but end up losing that investment in seconds.

“I have approved the release of N1 billion as emergency relief for us to quickly support victims of the disaster because we know that some of them may even have difficulty surviving the next few days. Many rely on daily businesses in order to cater for themselves.

Gov. Zulum also said his administration has set up an assessment committee to give a detailed report on the extent of the damage caused.

“I am going to see Mr President and seek presidential intervention on how to get support for victims.

Zulum also said his administration would be reaching out to humanitarian agencies to seek assistance. They will also work on preventing future reoccurrence.

The governor also appealed to the public not to politicise the unfortunate incident.

“We have to find ways of ensuring this unfortunate fire disaster does not happen again and we will work together to ensure this.”