Angry residents and traders allegedly stoned personnel of the Edo State Fire Service on Tuesday after accusing them of arriving late at a fire outbreak that destroyed more than 20 shops at Oluku Market along the Benin-Auchi Expressway in Edo State.
The fire, which reportedly started around 8:30 a.m., destroyed goods worth millions of naira before firefighters brought the blaze under control. The confrontation prompted security operatives to intervene and prevent further escalation.
Key Highlights
- More than 20 shops were reportedly affected by the Oluku Market fire.
- Traders accused firefighters of arriving after the blaze had destroyed their goods.
- The Edo State Fire Service attributed the alleged delay to traffic congestion and the distance from its station.
- No fatalities were reported, according to the fire service.
- Market leaders called for more fire stations and equipment to improve emergency response.
Residents Accuse Firefighters of Late Arrival
Eyewitnesses said the fire started in a shop dealing in electrical appliances before spreading to neighbouring stalls.
Traders and youths reportedly attempted to extinguish the flames with buckets of water and sand while waiting for firefighters to arrive.
However, some residents became angry when personnel of the Edo State Fire Service reached the scene, accusing them of arriving too late to save their businesses.
“They came when everything was already burnt. If they had come early, some shops would have been saved,” a trader was quoted as saying.
The confrontation escalated when some youths allegedly threw stones at the fire truck. Security operatives intervened to prevent further violence and allow firefighters to continue their operations.
Edo Fire Service Explains Response
Officials of the Edo State Fire Service said they responded after receiving the distress call but cited traffic congestion along the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the distance from their station as factors affecting their arrival time.
“We got the call and moved immediately. But you know the traffic on this road. We did our best to save what was left,” a fire officer said.
The service reportedly confirmed that no lives were lost, although more than 20 shops were affected by the fire.
Traders Count Losses After Oluku Market Fire
Several traders were seen weeping as they examined the remains of their shops and salvaged what they could from the ashes. Burnt goods reportedly included electronic appliances, fabrics and foodstuffs.
“This is my capital. I lost everything. Government should help us,” a female trader said.
The affected traders are now counting their losses and appealing for assistance to help them recover from the incident.
Read also:
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Market Leaders Condemn Attack on Firefighters
Market leaders condemned the alleged attack on the firefighters, saying that violence would not reverse the damage caused by the fire.
“We understand the pain, but stoning them will not bring back the goods. We need more fire stations and equipment in this area,” the market secretary said.
The incident has renewed calls for the establishment of a fire service outpost close to Oluku Market to improve response times during emergencies. It is not the first time firefighters have faced hostility from traders in Edo; in December 2019, traders reportedly chased away firefighters during a fire at Ekiosa Market in Benin City.
Fire Service Advises Traders on Prevention
The Edo State Fire Service advised traders to install fire extinguishers in their shops and avoid illegal electrical connections that could trigger fire outbreaks.
Normal activities have reportedly resumed at the market, while police personnel remain in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
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