A massive inferno has reportedly engulfed a significant section of the popular Jabi Wood Market (Timber Market) in the Jabi District of Abuja this morning, leading to the destruction of goods and equipment worth millions of Naira.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, has sent traders and residents into chaos as fire service teams struggle to contain the raging blaze fueled by highly flammable wood and finished furniture products.
Sources at the scene confirmed that the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning and quickly spread across the wooden structures that characterize the market.
An official from the FCT Fire Service confirmed that, as of press time, no casualties or injuries had been recorded, emphasizing that early efforts focused on evacuating persons and preventing the spread to adjacent structures.
Affected traders were seen weeping and lamenting their substantial losses, with reports of finished wood products, building materials, and expensive sawing equipment completely destroyed by the intense heat and flames.
The exact cause of the fire remains officially unknown, but authorities have initiated an investigation. Market operators often cite electrical faults or poor handling of generators as common causes of such disasters in market environments.
The incident has once again highlighted the recurring issue of fire outbreaks in Abuja’s major commercial centres and the efficiency of the city’s emergency response mechanisms:
Personnel from the Federal and FCT Fire Services were promptly deployed to the scene and were battling to bring the conflagration under control and prevent it from spreading further into the densely packed market area.
Authorities have promised to conduct a detailed assessment of the damage and urged market operators to adhere strictly to fire safety guidelines to prevent future incidents.
The incident is particularly tragic as the Jabi Wood Market is a central hub for raw materials for the furniture and construction industries in the FCT and beyond.
