A devastating fire outbreak in the early hours of Thursday has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at a GSM village near Kpata market in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a power surge, consumed numerous shops, leaving traders in shock and financial ruin.
Muhammed Yahaya, one of the affected traders, recounted the harrowing incident: “I received a call around 5:30 a.m. about the fire. By the time I arrived, several shops had already been burnt down. We suspect a high power voltage caused the fire, as neighbouring houses reported damage to their appliances.”
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Millions Lost as Fire Razes GSM Village in Lokoja, Traders Appeal for Government Aid
The destruction included laptops, phones, and other accessories, with most traders unable to salvage their goods. Yahaya and others appealed to the Kogi State Government for financial assistance and help rebuilding the GSM village. "We are youths who created jobs for ourselves; we need the government to support us," he added.
Moses Felix, the Financial Secretary of the Kogi Association of Phones and Accessories Dealers (KAPAD), was among those heavily impacted. “I lost everything, including newly arrived goods. I have staff depending on me, and now they are without jobs. The government must step in and help us recover.”
As of the time of filing this report, fire service officials were still battling to extinguish the flames. Traders are hopeful that the state government will intervene to help them rebuild their livelihoods in the wake of this tragedy.
