Goods ‘worth millions’ destroyed as fire razes market in Nasarawa

A fire incident has destroyed a popular market in Masaka, Karu LGA of Nasarawa state.

The incident occurred around 10 pm on Friday, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Several traders have expressed their grief over the devastation, recounting significant financial losses.

Ahmed Ayuba, a trader, said he was “devastated” as all his goods were burnt to ashes.

“I returned from the market yesterday, and people had already paid for some of the goods. Not only have I lost money, but I am also in debt now. The government should come to our aid,” Ayuba told NAN.

John Uche, an electronics dealer, lamented the additional chaos and theft that followed the fire.

“I lost everything, including the money I kept in my shop. The goods in my shop were bought with money I loaned from the bank,” he said.

“People used the opportunity to steal the goods left. It is not a good sight to behold.”

Zainab Usman, a tailor and vendor of cold drinks, reported losing goods worth three million naira in the fire.

“The fire affected my shop, and I lost goods worth millions of naira. I don’t know if I will recover,“ she said.

“We want the government to help all of us because we lost goods worth millions.”

Victoria Ellas, a foodstuff seller, also called for government assistance after her stock, worth over five million naira, was destroyed.

“Everything I sell got burnt. I lost more than five million naira. My husband died last year, and I am just a struggling widow. Now this has happened,“ she said.

Ifeoma Eze, another trader, described the helplessness she felt as she watched the destruction unfold.

“We were called at night, and by the time we got here, the whole place was already on fire. We could see our goods burn, but there was nothing we could do,“ she said.

“I couldn’t even get anything from my shop. What do I do now? How do I take care of myself and my children?

“This incident has left many of us helpless, and some are currently in the hospital due to the shock. We need help, and we need it fast.“