A devastating fire erupted in the early hours of Tuesday at Igbudu Market in Warri, Delta State, consuming numerous shops and merchandise worth millions of naira.
The inferno, which affected a large section of the bustling commercial hub, left scores of traders in distress as they arrived to find their livelihoods reduced to ashes. Although the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, many affected shop owners were unable to salvage any of their goods.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of despair as traders assessed the destruction. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, though there are suspicions it may have been triggered by an electrical surge.
Speaking at the scene, the Etsu-Nupe of Warri, His Royal Highness Alhaji Zubairu Mohammed Tajudeen, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “I just woke up and saw that fire has finished Igbudu Market.
But na electric go fit cause am when BEDC restore light,” he said, suggesting that power restoration by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) may have sparked the blaze.
As of the time of this report, emergency agencies had not released an official statement, and it remains unclear whether there were any casualties or injuries.
Authorities are expected to commence a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the cause and evaluate the full scale of the damage.
Igbudu Market, one of Warri’s most vibrant and densely populated trading centres, draws thousands of buyers and sellers daily.
In the wake of the tragedy, traders and local residents are calling on the Delta State Government to provide urgent relief and support for victims.
The incident adds to a troubling trend of recurring market fires across Nigeria, heightening calls for improved safety protocols and emergency response systems in public marketplaces.
