An early morning fire outbreak has destroyed parts of the popular Jos Terminus Market in Plateau State, on Wednesday.

The inferno, which caught many traders unaware, raged through the night, reducing hundreds of stalls and goods to ashes.

According to an anonymous witness, the fire started from a section of the market known for second-hand clothes, before rapidly spreading to other parts.

However, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of filing this report.

Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the blaze began but faced difficulties in containing the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, distraught traders and business owners were seen wailing at the scene, watching helplessly as their investments went up in flames.

Some of the victims lamented that they had stocked their shops with fresh goods only to lose everything overnight.

Meanwhile, security agencies were also deployed to the area to control the growing crowd and prevent looting, as emotions ran high among the affected traders and sympathizers.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the fire incident but the Plateau State government is expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, affected traders are calling for urgent support and relief to cushion the impact of their losses.

Aminu Bala who was in tears, said, “We need government intervention urgently”.

Another victim who simply gave his name as Adamu, said, “I am finished”.