A devastating fire erupted at the Old Airport Junction in Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday, destroying multiple shops and offices and leaving business owners grappling with heavy losses.

The blaze reportedly broke out around 4:00 pm, triggering urgent calls to fire services in both Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas.

John Michael, an eyewitness, recounted the moment he noticed the fire spreading rapidly.

“I came out of my office and saw fire everywhere. I don’t know the actual cause, but I immediately contacted the fire service. Thankfully, they mobilized their teams who are currently trying to extinguish the fire,” he told reporters.

Local authorities were swift to respond. Silas Dung, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, confirmed the incident and provided updates from the scene.

“I have just been informed about the fire, and I am currently at the scene to assess the situation,” he said.

Firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames. An official from the Jos Fire Service, who requested anonymity, highlighted their quick response.

“Once we received the report, our team was dispatched to the location. We have managed to put out the fire to prevent it from spreading further,” the official explained.

This disaster comes on the heels of another fire last month at the Katako Timber Market in Jos North, where over 107 shops were destroyed, leaving more than 200 carpenters and traders devastated. That inferno caused losses estimated at over ₦1 billion.

ROAMAN NEWS

House of Representatives has taken significant strides toward introducing mandatory rehabilitation measures for individuals found guilty of corruption-related crimes.

A proposed bill aiming to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, passed its second reading on Wednesday.

Kayode Akiolu, representing Lagos Island II Federal Constituency, sponsored the amendment, which seeks to enhance Section 67 of the original law.

The updated provision would mandate courts to include compulsory counselling and training programs alongside existing penalties such as imprisonment and fines for convicted offenders.

During the legislative debate, Akiolu emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria would oversee the design and implementation of the counselling initiative.

“The anti-corruption counselling and training will help wean convicts off corrupt tendencies and even turn them into anti-corruption advocates,” Akiolu stated.

According to the proposal, the program would span a minimum of four weeks, focusing on reshaping offenders’ mindsets and instilling ethical values aimed at reducing corruption.

Drawing a psychological parallel, Akiolu likened corrupt tendencies to kleptomania, describing it as a compulsive urge to steal, which he argued could be mitigated through structured rehabilitation.

“This aligns with the reformative goal of our criminal justice system, which is not just about punishment but also about rehabilitation,” he added.

To address concerns about funding, the bill allows courts to require convicts to cover the cost of their participation in the counselling and training program.

Akiolu urged fellow lawmakers to support the initiative, underlining its potential impact on combating corruption in the country.

“If passed, this bill will bolster the fight against corruption, a menace that continues to plague our nation. It is a step toward achieving systemic reform and accountability,” he concluded.

ROAMAN NEWS