A devastating fire broke out at the Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory, causing massive destruction and loss. Goods and properties worth millions of naira were reduced to ashes, leaving traders and shoppers in shock and despair.
The FCT Fire Service, with a station nearby, responded to the incident but faced challenges accessing the scene due to the large crowd that gathered. Many traders, devastated by their losses, were seen wailing uncontrollably.
“Everything is gone. I couldn’t save anything. This market is our livelihood. My children’s school fees were in that shop,” cried one trader.
Another trader, overwhelmed by the loss, said, “I am in so much pain. I don’t know if the government can help us. I’ve lost over ₦10 million. I don’t know where to start.”
Despite the chaos, soldiers were present to maintain order and ensure safety. Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical surge may have caused the fire, which quickly spread and engulfed parts of the market.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear the fire has significantly impacted the traders and the community. Officials are investigating the exact cause of the outbreak.
In light of this incident, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has emphasized the importance of having proper access roads for firefighting operations. Florence Wenegieme, Acting Director General of FEMD, highlighted the challenges faced during the fire at Karu Market. She noted that although fire services responded promptly, they struggled to access the market due to its location behind a new market under construction.
“We had enough firetrucks and personnel, but we couldn’t get to the market easily. We had to break walls to access the fire fighting hose, which delayed our efforts,” she explained.
Thankfully, no lives were lost, but goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, and Civil Defense Corps were also present to help control the crowd and ensure safety. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
