- Efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by inadequate tools
A fire outbreak on Monday morning at Tunga Market in Minna, Niger State, has destroyed shops and properties worth millions of naira, including a furniture store, a gas cylinder shop, and parts of a nearby motel.
The incident escalated when frustrated youths, angered by the delayed arrival of the fire service, turned hostile towards emergency responders. According to eyewitnesses, the fire ignited suddenly, prompting calls to the fire service, but it reportedly took over 30 minutes for firefighters to arrive.
Upon their arrival, the youths began throwing stones at the firefighters, chanting “ba mu so” (we don’t want you). Fearing for their safety, the fire service driver fled the scene, and the team was forced to retreat, leaving locals to battle the fire with limited resources.
Efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by inadequate tools. A water tanker provided by a nearby construction company lacked the necessary equipment, such as long hoses, to effectively combat the flames. The fire spread, causing further damage to nearby properties.
An eyewitness urged the public to exercise patience during emergencies, stressing the need for cooperation with responders. “The youths’ aggression made a bad situation worse, leading to significant losses for shop owners. While the fire service may have been delayed, their expertise was still vital,” the eyewitness said.
The incident highlights the challenges of emergency response in the region, with calls for improved coordination between authorities and communities to prevent such outcomes in the future.
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