Massive Inferno Engulfs Gobonimo Market in Hargeisa

GOOBJOOG NEWS | HARGEISA: A massive fire has devastated Gobonimo Market, the second-largest market in Hargeisa, causing extensive damage to traders’ properties.

In a statement, the Somaliland Police confirmed that officers and firefighters were swiftly dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

“The Somaliland Police Force responded promptly to the fire at Gobonimo Market and is working closely with the Fire Department to bring it under control,” the statement reads.

Traders at the scene reported that the fire could have been contained earlier if firefighters had been able to access the area sooner. However, impassable roads significantly delayed their response.

Hargeisa Mayor Abdikarim Mooge urged the public to cooperate with emergency responders during such disasters to help minimize damage.

“I call on everyone to contribute in any way possible to help extinguish the flames and support those who have lost their livelihoods,” the mayor said.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, though preliminary reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical fault or the unsafe storage of flammable materials.

Authorities have launched an investigation, and local officials are calling for stricter safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.