Mysterious fire razes potash market, destroys farmlands in Yobe

An inferno has burnt to ashes shops and stalls at Gashu’a potash market destroying a large quantity of the commodity.

The incident occurred on Thursday night with reports indicating that 20 stalls stock with various quantities of potash were affected.

Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), on Friday, confirmed the incident via its official Facebook page.

It said the Fire Service Department reduced the incident from escalating to neighbouring shops.

“SEMA Local Emergency Responders will carry out assessments and recommends possible steps to bring succor to the victims”, the agency posted.

In a related incident, SEMA said in the same week, two separate fire incidents occurred affecting dozens in Girgir market in Jakusko Local Government Area as well as farmlands in Ngelshelgele village Fune Local Government Area.

“The former affected 220 empty wood stalls except for 3 shops with valuables while the latter affected several farmlands at the eve of harvest.

“Yobe SEMA will review assessment reports and support affected victims within available resources”, the agency disclosed.

SEMA, however, called on the public to be watchful and extinguish fire in public places as well as switch off electrical appliances after the closure of work.