A fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, destroying the Trademore Estate market, Lugbe, Abuja, leaving residents in shock and distress.
The fire, which reportedly started around 3:30 am, quickly spread throughout the market after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company restored power.
It was gathered that despite efforts by residents to alert emergency services, the flames had already consumed much of the market before help arrived.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, eyewitnesses have speculated that an electrical fault may have been the cause.
Joe, a resident of Trademore Estate, who was one of the first to spot the blaze, described the situation as chaotic.
“I was alerted at 4 am, and by then the fire had already spread. We couldn’t immediately figure out the cause, but we think it might have been an electrical issue,” he said.
However, the Abuja office of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a statement issued to newsmen stated that: “At approximately 04:50 hrs this morning, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received distress call reporting a fire at the Trademore Estate, Lugbe.
“The Agency immediately activated the Fire Service and Nigerian Police that responded promptly to the incident.
“The fire, which primarily affected the food market section of the estate, has been brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby residential buildings. Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident. However, foodstuffs that can be estimated of huge value were lost to the incident.
“The Head of NEMA Abuja Operation Office Mr Justin Owazuruonye led the rescue team to location of the incident.
“Director General NEMA Mrs Zubaida Umar commended the rescue team members for their timely response to the incident.
“The cause and extent of the fire is being investigated the relevant authorities.
“Further updates will be provided appropriately.”
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