Next Cash and Carry, one of Abuja’s biggest shopping malls has been gutted by fire.
The mall which is situated in the Jahi Area of the Federal Capital Territory went up in flames around 10:00 am Sunday morning.
Thick smoke can be seen around the mall as emergency operatives tried to salvage the situation.
According to witnesses, the fire started around 8am on Sunday.
Reports gathered that lootings were ongoing at the supermarket while the inferno rages on.
Ugo Huan, spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service, has advised residents to avoid the area as firefighters are battling to put out the fire and prevent its spread.
“The service has turned out firefighters to the scene, who are currently fighting the fire,” Huan said.
“Members of the public are to take note and avoid that route.”
Huan said firefighters from over three different zones, including the FCT fire service, are at the scene.
He said the cause of the fire was not yet known as further investigation would be carried out.
Sandra Emeka, a witness at the scene, told NAN that she was at the gate of the supermarket trying to gain entrance to the compound when she noticed dark smoke coming out of the store.
“I don’t know where the fire started from or what caused it, but I just noticed the smoke and heard people around telling us to move back that there was fire,” she said.
Philip Paul, another customer, expressed sadness over the incident as he described the supermarket as a “big shopping centre”.
“It is so unfortunate this happened at this time when the store must have been stocked up for the festive season,” he said.
“This is a great loss, and I sympathise with the management of this supermarket.”
