A devastating fire outbreak has struck the Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.
Goods and properties worth millions of naira have been reduced to ashes, leaving traders and shoppers in a state of despair.
The FCT Fire Service with a station in Karu Market responded to the incident, however, faced challenges in accessing the scene due to the large crowd of people flocking to the area.
Traders, who have lost their wares in the inferno, could be seen wailing uncontrollably over their losses.
“Everything has burnt down. I could not recover anything. This is where we feed from o. Ah, my children’s school fees are there,” one of the traders cried.
“I cannot hold myself, I am in pain – I don’t know if government can help us. My money that has gone here is over ₦10 million. I am tired and I don’t know where to start,” she cried out.
Despite the challenges, soldiers were on ground to maintain order and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical surge, which quickly spread and engulfed parts of the market.
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has again underscored the importance of access in firefighting operations.
The Acting Director General of FEMD, Florence Wenegieme, issued the advice in the wake of the fire at the old Karu Market, which was engulfed by fire Thursday evening.
