A devastating fire swept through the Trademore Estate market in Lugbe, Abuja, early on December 2, 2024, leaving residents and traders reeling in shock and confusion. According to eyewitness accounts, the blaze started around 4 AM, with indications that it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
The fire quickly engulfed the market, reducing shops, stalls, and goods worth millions of naira to ashes. Many traders who relied on the market for their livelihoods were seen weeping as they tried to salvage whatever they could from the wreckage. Affected residents described the scene as chaotic, with flames tearing through the market and smoke billowing into the sky.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, reportedly arrived at the scene about two hours after the fire started. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing the inferno under control, but the delay in response highlighted concerns about emergency preparedness in the area. Witnesses noted that limited access to water and the densely packed structure of the market exacerbated the situation.
Although no casualties have been reported so far, many traders have been left destitute. The market served as a key commercial hub in the Trademore Estate area, and its destruction is a significant blow to the local economy. Traders who lost their goods lamented the lack of fire safety measures in the market, with some calling on authorities to implement stricter regulations and ensure proper electrical installations to prevent such tragedies.
Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the fire to ascertain whether negligence or other factors contributed to the disaster. The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has promised to assist affected traders, though details of the support plan remain unclear. Community leaders and residents have also urged the government to establish a fire station closer to the estate to facilitate a faster response in future emergencies.
The incident has sparked conversations about fire safety and disaster management in Abuja, as this is not the first time a market fire has occurred in the city. Many are calling for increased public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades to prevent similar occurrences.
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