Abuja – January 12, 2024 – Viewpoint Housing News
A business building in Benin City, Edo State, was completely destroyed by fire early on Thursday morning, destroying products estimated to be worth over N50 million.
The blaze allegedly began at approximately 4.am at the building on Second East Circular Road, near New Market in Benin City, the state capital.
Most of the store owners in the complex exchanged food and secondhand clothing.
It was said that N10 million worth of merchandise was lost by a couple who had two stores in the building and went by the name Ndidi and Blessing.
“Our livelihood and goods valued at N10 million have been lost.” Ndidi bemoaned, “Please, the government should assist us.
it was reported that a cable attached to an electrical pole in front of one of the stores caused repeated electric sparks, which ignited the fire. The fire then spread to other stalls and threatened the nearby buildings.
It was reported that the Edo State Fire Service’s prompt presence prevented the situation from getting worse.
Nevertheless, a trader going by the name Madam Grace claimed to have lost almost N40 million worth of merchandise, accused of foul play, and claimed that she was the intended victim.
She said, “There was a power outage when I went to the market to buy products and got back to the business at 2. am in the morning.
“I took my goods into the shops and went to my house. By 5am, I was informed on the telephone that my shop was on fire. I have prayed for those responsible for the inferno. I have lost N40m worth of goods,” she added.
“Apart from Madam Grace, Ndidi and his wife, other traders were said to have lost good worth about N30m,” an eyewitness told our correspondent.
the Edo State Fire Service official in the control room, who identified herself simply as Faith said, those who were on duty when the fire started were called and promptly went to the scene to put out the fire and prevented it from affecting houses close to the shops.
“Yes, our officials were called when the fire started and the fire was put out. They were also able to prevent the fire from spreading to houses close by,” she added.
