…Traders Count Losses in Millions
Hussaini Kafi in Kano
A devastating fire razed more than 500 shops at the popular Masaka Market in Karu Area, Nasarawa State, late Friday night, leaving traders to count their losses in the hundreds of millions of naira.
According to media reports, the inferno started between 11:30 pm and 11:45 pm, shortly after power was restored by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). It is believed that a spark from one of the shops, triggered by the power surge, quickly spread to other stores, engulfing the entire market in flames.
Witnesses reported seeing traders in a state of despair as they frantically attempted to salvage what little they could from the wreckage. Many were seen wailing and weeping, helpless in the face of the disaster. In a surprising turn, a group of scrap collectors, known as Baban Bola, arrived at the scene to scavenge iron and metal debris from the fire site, which they later sold in the nearby pantaker market.
The Masaka market was home to a wide variety of goods, including cosmetics, clothing, phone accessories, foodstuffs, provisions, and an abattoir. The fire has left many traders without their livelihoods, and residents expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
Francis, a local resident, shared his account of the incident with Tribune Online: “The fire started when AEDC restored power around 11:30 pm or 11:45 pm on Friday when everyone had left the market and was at home. It’s so unfortunate. People went home with peace of mind yesterday, and just a few hours later, they are now counting their losses in hundreds of millions of naira.”
He added, “More than 500 shops were consumed by this fire. It could have been worse if not for the efforts of other traders and people in the area who tried to help. Given the current economic situation, many of these traders have taken loans, and this loss is devastating for them.”
At the time of filing this report, the market was flooded with sympathizers who gathered in groups to discuss the tragic incident. None of the affected traders were willing to speak publicly, though the community’s collective grief was palpable.
The fire has not only caused immense financial damage but also left traders facing an uncertain future as they grapple with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
