By Our Correspondent
A fire broke out at the Caring Heart Market in Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Thursday night, leaving 18 shops destroyed and traders facing significant financial losses.
The blaze, which began around midnight, destroyed goods valued at over N50 million, including essential business equipment like deep freezers, generators, stabilizers, and stock of frozen foods.
Market vendors, including Faye Morayo, a frozen food seller, have expressed their devastation.
Morayo had just restocked her shop for the festive season, losing items worth N3 million, while Bosede Enufo, a widow with six children, reported a loss of over N7 million.
Other traders, including Modupe Akimtimiwa, are calling on the state government to provide financial aid and support in rebuilding their businesses, as many are burdened with significant debts.
Florence Irinyemi, the Iyalaje of Idepe-Okitipupa, revealed that the market’s security guard raised the alarm around 1:00 a.m., but the Okitipupa Fire Service’s lack of resources delayed the response.
Traders are urging the government to reactivate the local fire service to prevent future incidents.
Leave a Reply