An early morning fire outbreak has burnt down Karmo market on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Property worth millions of naira was lost in the inferno which was said to have started around 12.20am.
The market traders’ leader, Murtala Ibrahim, said about “300 makeshift shops were destroyed by the fire, before it was brought under control around 2am by combined efforts of the fire fighters from the government’s agencies and companies.
He said the fire started from a shop where drinks were sold and extended to various sections of the market.
The affected areas included provisions, building materials, electronics, stationery, cosmetics shops, among others.
“Many traders who rushed to the scene on getting the information were restricted by the police and members of vigilante groups from jumping into the burning shops in an attempt to salvage some items,” Ibrahim added.
Daily Trust reports that a similar incident occurred in the market last October but a trader Shehu Ahmad said Wednesday’s incident was worse as the fire raged till 5am before it was put out.
