Fire Destroys Upper Floor of Abakar Deri Building in Garoua’s Central Market

A fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, of May 26, 2025, completely destroying the first floor of the Abakar Deri building. The building is located near the entrance of Garoua’s central market. Several merchants have lost years’ worth of accumulated goods and investment, despite the absence of reported casualties.

The fire started around 3:00 a.m. while the city was still asleep. The cause of the incident has yet to be determined, but the impact is already evident.

Shops and Inventory Destroyed

The upper level of the building, situated just a few meters from the central market bakery, has been reduced to ash and twisted metal. Businesses affected include mobile phone shops, office service centers, and general supply stores. The fire consumed all contents within approximately thirty minutes.

“The entire business is gone,” said Abdoulaye, a merchant in his fifties. “I had spent ten years saving to build this. Everything is gone.”

Nearby, other affected merchants sifted through debris, searching for salvageable items among burnt documents and scorched equipment.

Limited Fire Response Capacity Highlighted

Firefighters arrived promptly, but the intensity of the flames and the flammable materials inside the stores hampered their efforts. The fire spread rapidly, leaving little opportunity to contain it before substantial damage occurred.

Emergency responders and community members report no injuries or fatalities despite the scale of the destruction, a fact they view with relief.

Calls for Investigation and Better Fire Safety Measures

After the incident, several merchants voiced their frustration about the inadequate fire prevention infrastructure in one of Garoua’s busiest commercial zones. People are calling for a formal investigation into the incident and urging authorities to implement stricter safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.

Garoua’s central market, a vital hub of local economic activity, now faces yet another setback. As the community recovers, affected traders are seeking not only emotional support but also concrete assistance and long-term preventive measures.

Mimi Mefo Info