The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, has expressed her heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the recent fire at Kaura Market in Abuja.
The devastating blaze, which occurred on Friday, August 17, destroyed 44 shops, leaving traders in despair.
Senator Kingibe has committed to facilitating the necessary support to help them recover from the disaster.
In a statement delivered by Comrade John Destiny, head of Kingibe’s Constituency Office, the senator expressed relief that no lives were lost in the tragedy. She also urged the affected traders to remain hopeful, assuring them that aid would be provided to help them rebuild their livelihoods.
The senator advised traders to be vigilant in handling electrical appliances to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Two victims, Mercy Nnamani and Chukwuemeka Nwonyi, recounted the heartbreaking moment they learned of the fire. Nwonyi described how he received a call early on Saturday morning, only to find that his fully stocked shop had been reduced to ashes. Both traders were left in shock and uncertainty, with no clear understanding of what caused the fire.
Joy Gimba, another trader whose sister lost over 250 crates of eggs in the fire, speculated that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical surge when power was restored to the area after a blackout.
Donatus Ndukwe, the Public Relations Officer of the market, also suffered significant losses. He lost two shops—one selling plastics and the other kitchen utensils—both of which had just been restocked. Ndukwe, now facing a severe financial setback, stressed that suicide is not an option for him and called on the government, corporate bodies, and individuals to provide much-needed assistance.
The incident has left many traders in a state of distress, struggling to come to terms with their losses and uncertain about their future. Senator Kingibe’s commitment to supporting them offers a glimmer of hope as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.