A late-night fire on Wednesday razed part of the Oba Market in Benin City, even as reconstruction work on the facility is still ongoing.
The Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, who confirmed the incident, said the fire was caused by a solar panel malfunction.
This is the second time in five years that the popular market has been affected by fire.
According to eyewitnesses, they were in their shops opposite the market when they noticed smoke coming from a section where reconstruction work was ongoing.
They said they immediately mobilized, along with local vigilantes, while the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Oba Market Police Station led his men to the scene.
The DPO reportedly alerted the fire service, which joined civilians in battling the flames for about three hours before the fire was contained.
Addressing newsmen after inspecting the scene, Engr. Iduseri said that only one shop was affected, praising the swift response of firefighters and security personnel, which prevented the fire from spreading.
“We learnt that a solar panel caused the fire. We will suspend further installation of solar panels and conduct a thorough inspection of all electrical connections in the market to prevent future incidents.
“I also want to assure the affected traders that we will support them to return to business. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and the damage was minimal. The Oredo Local Government was fully on ground to prevent any case of looting,” he said.
