A devastating fire has left traders in Masaka Market, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, reeling from significant losses. The incident occurred on Friday night, December 27, 2024, around 10 p.m., destroying goods worth millions of naira.
In interviews with newsmen on Saturday, affected traders shared their anguish over the tragedy.
Ahmed Ayuba, a trader, expressed deep despair after losing all his goods in the fire.
“I am devastated. Everything I owned has been reduced to ashes. I am not just broke but in debt because many customers had already paid for some of the goods,” he said, appealing for government intervention.
John Uche, an electronics dealer, lamented losing both his inventory and cash stored in his shop, some of which were funded by a bank loan. He also decried theft during the chaos.
“People looted goods during the fire. It was heartbreaking to watch everything vanish,” he said.
Zainab Usman, a tailor and vendor, reported losing goods worth three million naira and questioned her ability to recover.
“The government must step in to support us. Many traders have lost their livelihoods,” she pleaded.
Victoria Ellas, a foodstuff seller and widow, said she lost over five million naira in goods, leaving her struggling to provide for her children.
“My husband died last year, and now this. I don’t know where to turn,” she said tearfully.
Another trader, Ifeoma Eze, described the helplessness of watching her shop burn.
“We arrived to find the market in flames, unable to salvage anything. Some traders have been hospitalized from the shock,” she said, urging for immediate assistance.
The affected traders called on the government and well-meaning individuals to provide financial and material aid to help them rebuild their businesses and lives.
