A raging fire outbreak in the early hours of Sunday gutted several shops at the Ihiokwu Main Market in Obarike-Ito, Obi Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving traders counting their losses.
The fire, which started in one of the shops, quickly escalated, consuming neighboring businesses before sympathizers and shop owners managed to put it out.
The absence of a fire station in the area meant that no emergency responders were available to tackle the blaze, forcing locals to rely on improvised methods to contain the destruction.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said he was the first to notice the fire and raised the alarm. “I raised an alarm when I noticed smoke coming out from one of the shops, but before people could gather, the fire had spread and burnt several shops,” he explained.
He added that the cause of the fire remained unknown, as there was no electricity supply in the market at the time of the incident.
Following the unfortunate event, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, expressed his sympathies to the victims. In a statement released by his Media Aide, John Eche’Ofun, Moro described the incident as a tragic loss, especially during a period of economic hardship.
He lamented the destruction of livelihoods and called on well-meaning individuals, organizations, and relevant government agencies to come to the aid of those affected.
“This is a difficult time for the victims who have lost their sources of income to the inferno. I urge the government and compassionate individuals to step in and support them,” Moro stated.
As affected traders grapple with their losses, calls for the establishment of a fire station in the area have intensified to prevent future occurrences.
Community leaders and market stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize fire safety measures to protect businesses and livelihoods in the region.