Traders lose goods worth millions of naira in Akure market inferno

By Boye Oyeyemi

Goods valued at several millions of naira were destroyed in a fire outbreak that occurred in parts of Arakale Market in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened during the early hours of Saturday, affecting shops located near the Aralepo Palace, leaving traders counting their losses.

The fiire reportedly started suddenly and spread to adjoining shops before help arrived, causing panic among traders in the area.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service in the state, Mr Somi Ajayi, disclosed that firefighters responded swiftly after receiving a distress call, explaining that emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes and were able to contain the blaze before it escalated.

Ajayi further revealed that three shops were affected by the inferno, noting that one of them was only partially damaged due to the timely intervention of the fire service.

Putting the value of goods lost at several millions of naira, he urged traders to prioritise safety measures going forward.

Reacting to their losses, the traders affected by the fire have appealed to the Ondo State Government for assistance to help them recuperate and resume their businesses.