NEMA concludes emergency response after fire outbreak at Jos Terminus market
NEMA Concludes Emergency Response to Jos Terminus Market Fire
Jos, Nigeria — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has completed its coordinated emergency response following a fire at the Jos Terminus Market, which occurred on March 14. Details of the incident were released in a statement from the agency on March 15, 2026.
The fire ignited shortly before 10 p.m. in a section of the market located in the Jos North Local Government Area. A subsequent joint assessment involving NEMA and various responding agencies revealed that several temporary stalls and lock-up shops suffered partial or total destruction. Preliminary investigations suggest that the blaze may have been caused by a power surge.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service and the Plateau State Fire Service, swiftly deployed fire engines to the scene. Their efforts successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Bintu Wana, head of the NEMA Jos Operations Office, expressed the agency’s condolences to the traders affected by the incident. She relayed the sentiments of NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar, particularly to those who lost their shops and means of livelihood.
“The Head of NEMA, Jos Operations Office, Hajiya Bintu Wana, who led the response effort, also conveyed the sympathy of the Director-General to the market leadership and traders,” the statement noted.
The emergency response involved multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, as well as vigilante groups, market authorities, trader associations, and community volunteers.
Officials of the Plateau State Government and market leaders praised the prompt action of the emergency agencies, noting that their quick intervention played a significant role in mitigating the extent of the damage.
