A fierce fire outbreak has left the popular Jabi Wood Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in ruins, causing extensive damage estimated to be worth millions of naira. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Dawn Inferno at Abuja Timber Hub
According to eyewitness accounts gathered by The Guardian, the blaze ignited around dawn. Thick, dark smoke quickly billowed into the sky, creating a terrifying scene for residents and traders in the area. Many rushed to the market in a desperate attempt to salvage goods and equipment from the rapidly spreading flames before the situation became too dangerous.
Swift Emergency Response Prevents Loss of Life
Firefighters from both the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service reacted swiftly to distress calls. They battled the intense fire for hours before finally managing to bring it under control. Their prompt action is credited with preventing a greater catastrophe. An official from the FCT Fire Service confirmed that, thankfully, no casualties or fatalities had been recorded as of the time the initial reports were filed. The official added that a thorough investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Traders Lament Losses, Seek Government Assistance
The aftermath of the fire has left traders facing monumental losses. They lamented the destruction of valuable equipment, building materials, and finished wood products that represented their life savings and livelihoods. Many are now appealing to the government for urgent assistance to help them recover and rebuild their businesses from the ashes.
In response, authorities have promised to conduct a detailed assessment of the damage to understand the full scale of the loss. They have also reiterated the importance of fire safety, advising all market operators to strictly adhere to established safety guidelines to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future.
