Popular market razed in Edo, shop owners hospitalised

 

Goods worth millions of naira have been destroyed by a fire which razes a section of the Oregbeni market, close to the national headquarter of the National Business and Technical Examination Board, NABTEB, Ikpoba hill, Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the fire started at about 9pm on Saturday night and burnt down over 15 shops.

an eyewitness said one shop owner, identified as Tony was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed on hearing the sad news.

“At about 9pm we saw smoke from one of the shops and before we knew what was happening, the whole place was engulfed in fire.

“Firefighters came to the scene but couldn’t do anything, the fire had already engulfed the shops and razed goods worth millions of naira.

“Shop owners could not salvage their goods, as the shops were already engulfed before the arrival of firefighters.

Another shop owner at the scene of the fire incident declined to comment, saying it was pointless talking about the incident because they will not get help from the government or individuals.

“Are you going to help me if I talk to you? Just leave me alone,” she said.

Sympathisers wondered what could have triggered the fire, as there was no electricity in the area, they, however, blamed the fire service for arriving too late to the scene.

“This is an electronic shop and goods here worth over N10 million. I know the owner and he is currently at the hospital because of the incident,” he said.