A devastating fire outbreak has struck Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory, leaving behind significant destruction and loss. As of this report, goods and properties worth millions of naira have been reduced to ashes, causing immense despair among traders and shoppers.
The FCT Fire Service, stationed at Karu Market, responded promptly to the incident but faced difficulties accessing the scene due to the large crowds flocking to the area. Traders who lost their wares in the blaze were seen wailing uncontrollably over their losses.
"Everything is burnt down. I couldn't recover anything. This is where we feed from. Ah, my children's school fees are gone," one distraught trader cried.
Despite these challenges, soldiers were present to maintain order and ensure everyone's safety. Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical surge may have caused the fire, which quickly spread and engulfed parts of the market. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the fire's impact on the community is evident.
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) emphasized the importance of access in firefighting operations. Florence Wenegieme, Acting Director General of FEMD, issued this advice following the fire at the old Karu Market, which was engulfed by flames on Thursday evening.
According to a statement by Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, a combined team of the FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and Julius Berger Fire Service were on the ground and managed to contain the outbreak. Wenegieme, who was at the scene, noted that the fire started around 6:30 pm. Despite being activated promptly, the firemen struggled to access the market, located behind the new market under construction.
"It was the illegal market/settlement behind the new market under construction that was engulfed by fire. We had enough fire trucks and firemen, but we could not gain access to the market. We had to break walls to access the fire fighting hose, which caused the delay in putting out the fire," Wenegieme explained.
She added that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, though no lives were lost. Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, and Civil Defense Corps were also on the ground to ensure crowd control. The Acting DG commended the Department of Engineering Services for activating the Julius Berger Fire Service.
