Ekpoma, Edo State — A fire outbreak near the Ekpoma Police Station on Sunday night reportedly destroyed several stores in the area, causing panic among residents and traders.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the fire started around 9:30 p.m. and quickly spread to nearby shops due to strong winds and the close proximity of the buildings. Several business owners are said to have lost goods worth thousands of naira.

According to residents, the Ekpoma Fire Service responded to the scene promptly, working alongside local volunteers and the police to contain the blaze.

“The fire spread very fast. We tried to salvage some of our goods, but the smoke and heat made it impossible,” said one affected trader, who preferred to remain anonymous.

At the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by the authorities. There have been no official reports of casualties, though some individuals reportedly suffered minor injuries while attempting to evacuate goods.

The Ekpoma Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and take safety precautions while the investigation into the fire continues. Officials also advised business owners to install fire safety equipment to prevent future incidents.

This incident comes amid rising concerns over fire safety in commercial areas across Edo State, particularly in markets and dense urban communities.