A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the GSM Village near Kpata Market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was reportedly caused by a power surge.
Eyewitnesses and residents nearby confirmed that the outbreak began due to a high voltage surge that damaged electrical appliances in surrounding homes. Traders were unable to salvage any goods as the inferno quickly spread out of control.
Muhammed Yahaya, one of the affected shop owners, shared his ordeal. “I received a call around 5:30 am, informing me that the market was on fire. By the time I arrived, many shops were already burnt down. Based on what people around the area said, the high voltage is likely what triggered the fire. Fans, lights, and other electrical items in the neighbouring houses were also damaged,” he explained.
Yahaya added that many shop owners had just restocked their inventory earlier in the week, making the loss even more devastating.
Appealing to the Kogi State Government for assistance, Yahaya expressed hope that authorities would provide financial support and help rebuild the GSM Village.
“We are mostly young, resourceful graduates who created jobs for ourselves. The properties we nurtured for over 15 years were destroyed in an hour. We need the government’s intervention to recover from this tragedy,” he pleaded.
Moses Felix, the Financial Secretary of the Kogi Association of Phones and Accessories Dealers (KAPAD), also spoke about the impact of the inferno.
“I lost everything in my shop, including newly arrived goods. It’s overwhelming. I am a married man with children, and this fire has wiped out my livelihood. I employ three boys who depend on me, and now they too are without jobs,” Felix lamented, visibly distressed.
As of the time of this report, fire service officials were still working to extinguish the fire. A full assessment of the damage is expected once the fire is completely put out.
