Traders at the Caring Heart Market in Okitipupa, Ondo State, have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for assistance following a fire that destroyed their shops and goods valued at over ₦50 million.

The fire, which broke out at midnight on Thursday, affected 18 shops. The cause remains unclear, but traders lamented significant losses, including cash, deep freezers, generators, stabilizers, fans, umbrellas, and frozen goods.

Mrs. Faye Morayo, a frozen foods seller, shared her plight, revealing that she had just stocked her shop with fish, turkey, and other items for the holiday season. She estimated her losses at over ₦3 million, including three large freezers, two generators, and stabilizers. “I borrowed money to stock my shop. Now, everything is gone. I plead with Governor Aiyedatiwa to help us financially, as we have nothing left,” she said.

Another trader, Bosede Enufo, a widow with six children, said she lost goods worth over ₦7 million. Overwhelmed by the devastation, she also appealed to the governor for support, praying for blessings upon him and his family.

Mrs. Modupe Akimtimiwa, another victim, estimated her losses at over ₦1 million and requested financial aid from the governor, along with assistance in rebuilding the destroyed shops. She noted that many traders were already burdened by loans they had taken to sustain their businesses.

Chief Florence Irinyemi, the Iyalaje of Idepe-Okitipupa, narrated how the market's security guard raised the alarm about the fire around 1:00 am. She expressed gratitude to Oba Michael Adetoye-Obatuga, the Jegun of Idepe Okitipupa, for swiftly contacting the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to cut off power, preventing further damage.

Chief Irinyemi also called on the state government to revive the dormant Okitipupa Fire Service to ensure quicker responses to emergencies. She appealed for financial aid and reconstruction of the affected shops, emphasizing the severe impact on the traders.