A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, engulfing Igbudu Market in Warri, Delta State, and leaving behind a trail of destruction that has devastated traders and shaken the local economy. The blaze, which tore through one of the busiest and most densely populated markets in the state, destroyed dozens of shops and merchandise reportedly worth millions of naira.
The fire, which started before dawn, caught many traders off guard, as they arrived at the market only to find their shops reduced to rubble and their livelihoods gone. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos and heartbreak, with traders wailing in disbelief at the destruction of years of investment and hard work. Most of the affected shop owners were unable to recover any of their wares.
While the exact cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, suspicions point to a possible electrical surge. Speaking at the scene, the Etsu-Nupe of Warri, His Royal Highness Alhaji Zubairu Mohammed Tajudeen, expressed sorrow and concern over the incident. He hinted that the fire might have been sparked by power restoration from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), saying, “I just woke up and saw that fire has finished Igbudu Market. But na electric go fit cause am when BEDC restore light.”
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders had not issued an official statement, and it remains unclear whether any casualties were recorded. However, authorities are expected to launch a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the total extent of the damage.
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Igbudu Market serves as a major commercial hub in Warri, attracting thousands of traders and customers daily from across Delta and neighboring states. Its destruction has sent shockwaves through the city, with calls mounting for the Delta State Government to provide immediate relief to affected traders and initiate long-term measures to prevent future disasters.
This tragic incident adds to the growing list of market fires that have plagued Nigeria in recent years, raising serious concerns about the lack of effective fire safety infrastructure in public trading spaces. Stakeholders are urging local and state authorities to prioritize the installation of modern fire detection systems, regular safety audits, and swift emergency response mechanisms to safeguard lives and businesses.
As the investigation begins, victims of the Igbudu Market fire are pleading for government intervention, including compensation, temporary shelters, and support to help them rebuild their lives and businesses. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect Nigeria’s vital market ecosystems from recurring disasters.