Quest FM TV News, Warri – A devastating fire outbreak swept through parts of the Igbudu Market in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State in the early hours of Thursday, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira. The blaze, which reportedly began around 4:00 a.m., left scores of traders in tears as their livelihoods went up in smoke.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, local security operatives, and concerned residents, rushed to the scene in a coordinated effort to battle the raging flames. Two newly repaired fire trucks, owned and maintained by the Warri South Local Government Council, were swiftly deployed to the market to help contain the inferno and prevent further spread.
Chairman of Warri South LGA, Hon. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident began. He personally supervised the emergency response, assessed the extent of the damage, and assured affected traders of government intervention and support.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be established, officials say investigations are already underway to determine what triggered the outbreak. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the economic impact is substantial, with several shop owners lamenting the total destruction of their goods and properties.
This marks the second fire incident to hit Igbudu Market in recent months. A previous blaze ravaged the Nupe section of the market, which was later reconstructed by the local government as part of its rehabilitation initiative.
Shocked and distraught, traders are now calling on the state and local governments to step in and provide urgent assistance. Many say they have lost everything and have no means of restarting their businesses without government aid.
The repeated fire incidents at Igbudu Market have raised fresh concerns over market safety and infrastructure, with residents urging authorities to improve fire prevention measures and strengthen emergency preparedness in high-risk commercial zones.
As investigations continue, the Warri South council is expected to unveil a relief plan in the coming days to support victims and restore trading activities in the affected sections of the market.
Reported by Paul Faith, Quest FM TV News, Warri