An inferno has destroyed property worth about N1.1 billion in two separate fire incidents at the Gombe timber and scrap markets within one month.
The latest fire incident occurred on Monday night at the Kasuwan Katako (Timber Market), and destroyed goods valued at over N600m.
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi, said assessments were ongoing, adding that the fire was suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault.
During a visit to the market, Deputy Governor Manasseh Jatau expressed sympathy with the victims and assured them that the government would assess the damage and provide the necessary support.
He urged the traders to pay attention to electrical safety, noting that another section of the market had been gutted by fire barely three weeks earlier.
Mr Mohammed Ahmadu, the state Chairman of the Timber Sellers Association, said the fire, which started around 7 pm, razed down no fewer than 60 shops stocked with timber and other building materials.
Ahmadu urged both state and federal governments to urgently assist the affected victims and support their families.
Recall that on November 18, 2025, fire destroyed property worth over N500m at the Scrap/Timber Market, razing down more than 30 shops and affecting over 100 traders.
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