A devastating fire broke out at the Ihiokwu main market in Obarike-Ito, Obi Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving numerous properties destroyed.
Reports indicate that several shops were engulfed by the flames.
As there is no fire station in the area, local shop owners and sympathizers quickly intervened to contain the blaze.
An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted that he noticed the fire early on Sunday morning and raised the alarm.
“I saw smoke coming out of one of the shops, and before people could respond, the fire had spread, burning several shops. The cause of the fire remains unclear as there was no electricity in the market,” he said.
In response to the incident, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro expressed his condolences to the victims.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, John Eche’Ofun, Moro described the fire as a tragic event, especially given the current economic challenges facing the people.
He extended his sympathies to those who lost their valuables and urged the public to support the victims during this difficult time.
Moro also called on relevant government agencies to provide assistance to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the fire.