Fire Ravages Palluja Market in Yola, Causing Extensive Damage

Yola, February 21, 2025 – A devastating fire broke out at the Palluja Market shopping complex, located opposite the main market in Yola, destroying approximately ten shops and property worth millions of naira. The fire, which initially started on Wednesday night, reignited in the early hours of Thursday morning, leading to further destruction.

According to Yusuf Jabatawa, a vendor at the market, the fire first erupted in one shop within the two-story complex and was reportedly brought under control later that night. However, the flames flared up again around 3:00 AM on Thursday, spreading rapidly and consuming nearly all the shops on the top floor.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, but the financial impact is severe. Traders are estimating losses in the hundreds of millions of naira, as goods and equipment were completely destroyed. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Firefighters worked tirelessly for several hours to contain the blaze, finally extinguishing it on Thursday morning. The area has now been secured, with the Nigeria Police cordoning off the affected building to allow for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

In the aftermath, affected traders are left to grapple with their losses and are calling for support and assistance to recover from this tragic event. The community is coming together to assess the damage and plan the next steps in rebuilding the market. 

Aaron Isaac