The Gombe State Government has launched an investigation into a devastating fire outbreak that swept through parts of the popular Gombe timber market, Kasuwar Katako, leaving traders with heavy losses and disrupting livelihoods in the state capital.

The fire broke out late on Monday night at the market located along the Railway Station area, after traders had closed for the day. Several shops, planks of timber, and other goods were destroyed by the inferno, forcing business owners to watch helplessly as years of investment went up in flames.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the fire as painful and distressing, noting that the affected market supports hundreds of families who depend on it for daily survival. In a statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, the governor expressed deep sympathy with the victims and assured them that the state government would not abandon them in their time of need.

The governor directed the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, alongside other relevant agencies, to immediately assess the extent of the damage, investigate the cause of the fire, and provide emergency relief to affected traders to cushion the impact of their losses. According to him, understanding the cause of the incident is critical to preventing a recurrence and strengthening safety measures across markets in the state.

Yahaya also commended the swift response of the Gombe State Fire Service, personnel from Gombe State University, the Federal Fire Service, private tanker operators, security agencies, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, whose combined efforts helped to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.

While calling on the affected traders to remain calm, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving fire prevention and emergency response across Gombe State. He revealed plans to establish a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fire service office to enhance preparedness and response to future incidents.

The statement further disclosed that the governor was briefed on an accident involving one of the firefighting trucks during the operation. He expressed concern for those affected and offered prayers for their speedy recovery, underscoring the risks faced by emergency responders in the line of duty.

As investigations begin, affected traders are hopeful that government support and relief measures will help them rebuild and return to business, even as calls grow for stronger safety standards in major markets across the state.