In an early morning blaze on Thursday, a commercial building in Benin City, Edo State, succumbed to flames, resulting in the destruction of goods estimated at over N50 million.
The incident, which occurred around 4 a.m., affected the building on Second East Circular Road, opposite New Market in Benin City. The majority of shop owners traded in used clothes and foodstuffs.
Ndidi and Blessing, a couple operating two shops in the building, bemoaned the loss of goods worth N10 million. Ndidi appealed to the government for assistance, emphasizing the devastating impact on their livelihoods.
The fire reportedly originated from repeated electrical sparks from a wire connected to an electricity pole in front of one of the shops, spreading to other stalls and threatening nearby structures.
The timely response of firefighters from the Edo State Fire Service prevented further escalation of the situation.
Madam Grace, another trader who claimed to have lost goods worth over N40 million, alleged foul play and suggested that she was the target. She narrated returning to her shop after buying goods, experiencing a power outage, and later being informed of the fire.
While other traders collectively suffered losses of approximately N30 million, the Edo State Fire Service assured that prompt action was taken to quell the fire and protect nearby residences from the flames.
