A fire breakout has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the popular rice mill market in Benue, Makurdi.
According to an emerging report, the fire started earlier today and the swift response of firefighters stopped the fire from spreading. Unfortunately, several shops were affected as processed and unprocessed rice, milling machines, and other goods were completely burnt.
One of the affected persons, Mary Hanmaikyur, disclosed that she opened the shop last year in December and lost N10 million naira to the inferno. Mary expressed that she lost three machines with numerous bags of processed and unprocessed rice to the fire.
Also, Lorwa Jeremiah, who is also a victim said, the fire happened when nobody could save anything from his shop. Meanwhile, The chairman of the Wurukum rice mill market, Terva Igyar confirmed that a few shops, and one motorcycle, among others, were burnt.
Igyar expressed that he had spoken to officials of Makurdi local government and other stakeholders to assess the damage caused. The victims however have called on Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia to assist in recovering from the loss and damage.
The traders also pointed out that electricity was not the cause of the fire as their shops were not connected to any power supply.
How NEMA failed to curb a fire outbreak at Ibadan due to lack of water
A few days ago, A fire outbreak occurred in the Aleshinloye market in Ibadan that destroyed goods worth millions of naira. According to report, the traders at the market were traumatized as they counted losses the following day at the scene.
However, The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that the incident happened due to water scarcity and a lack of fire equipment.
NEMA noted that the fire which began in the plastic merchants section, spread rapidly due to flammable materials in the market. It added that it has urged the state government to implement fire safety measures for the affected victims.
A recent fire incident highlights the need for improved safety measures to prevent future occurrences and safeguard trader’s properties and lives.
