A major disaster was narrowly avoided at the Okpanam City Gate building material market in Delta State when a fire broke out in the wood section during the early hours of today. Coming just a week after a devastating truck explosion in Agbor, this incident has left traders counting their losses but grateful that the damage wasn’t worse.
The fire, which destroyed wood and machinery worth millions of naira, was reported around 2:00 am by individuals unloading goods in the market. According to the market chairman, Mr. Chika Ononuju, and his vice, Mr. Solomon Ashibogwu, quick action by the State and Federal Fire Services saved the market from total destruction. The swift response prevented the blaze from spreading beyond the affected section.
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While the exact cause of the fire remains a mystery, Mr. Ononuju ruled out electrical faults, noting that there was no power supply in the market at the time. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, though traders were left grappling with the devastating financial impact.
A shop owner whose business was affected expressed shock and despair, while other traders arrived at the scene early to assess the damage and salvage whatever they could. Throughout the day, market workers and traders worked tirelessly to extinguish lingering smoke and prevent the fire from reigniting. Efforts to save undamaged wood and materials were also ramped up as a precautionary measure.
The incident has reignited concerns about fire safety in markets across the state, as stakeholders call for better preventive measures to protect livelihoods and infrastructure.
