By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
A devastating fire outbreak razed a family residence at Takur Aduwa in Dutse, Jigawa State, destroying properties estimated to be worth over ₦10 million.
The Director of the Jigawa State Fire Service, Alh. Shuaibu Suleiman Jahun, confirmed the incident, stating that the fire started around 12:42 PM yesterday.
“When we reached the house, fire had taken over four rooms out of the five,” the Director explained, confirming that all personal effects and properties belonging to the occupants of the four affected rooms were completely destroyed.
Alh. Jahun further disclosed that the majority of the residents are non-indigenes of the state, including some serving corps members.
He noted that the Fire Service is currently compiling its official report for the Jigawa State Government and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which will use the documentation to facilitate assistance to the victims.
Speaking to reporters, the affected tenants described the extent of their losses, appealing for urgent public assistance as they were rendered homeless.
Madam Joy Christopher, one of the victims, explained that she was not present when the fire started. “All my belongings were completely destroyed. I am only left with one attire; my children’s clothes, including their school uniforms, were also burnt down,” she lamented.
Madam Chiyoma Erick reported losing all her possessions, including three air conditioners, a computer system, and a sleeping bed set. She estimated her losses alone to be over ₦3 million.
Another resident, Madam Divine, detailed the loss of materials worth over ₦2 million, including a set of three plasma televisions, furniture, and refrigerators, adding, “The fire destroyed all my properties in the room; nothing was saved.”
The affected families jointly appealed to the Federal, Jigawa State, and Dutse Local Governments, as well as wealthy individuals, to come to their aid, noting they have lost everything and are currently without shelter.