From Moshood Karim
A massive fire tore through a private building on Akpakpava Road, close to Eyanugie Street junction beside the Big Joe Motor Park in Benin City, Edo State, on Easter Monday, destroying goods and property worth millions of Naira.
The inferno, Uptown Press learned, erupted in the afternoon, caused panic among residents and disrupted activities in the bustling commercial area. While no lives were lost, the fire gutted the building located adjacent to Polaris Bank, where armed security personnel were stationed as a precaution.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and despair as traders, residents and bystanders scrambled to salvage what they could. Nearby foam dealers were seen pulling mattresses and household items to safety as flames threatened to spread further.
Passengers at the Big Joe Motor Park were left stranded for hours, as the company quickly moved its vehicles to prevent further loss. Several hawkers and passers-by gathered to observe the fire, some filming the incident as plumes of thick smoke filled the air.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, although local authorities have begun investigating. A 32-minute video recorded by witness Prince Lucky Igbinedion captured moments of panic, showing youths rushing belongings out of nearby shops and appealing for the fire service to respond swiftly.
“The fire is spreading fast. People are trying to save what they can, but they’re overwhelmed. Let the fire service come and do the needful,” Igbinedion was heard saying in the footage.
Motorists along Akpakpava Road experienced significant delays as traffic slowed during the chaos. The quick response of locals may have prevented the fire from escalating into an even larger catastrophe, though affected business owners continue to count their losses.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities are yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident.
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