A major fire has reportedly broken out at the bustling Oba Market in Benin City, Edo State, causing panic among traders and residents.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the fire started in the early hours of the morning, quickly spreading across several stalls. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the flames had already caused significant damage. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Initial Reports and Response

According to first responders, no casualties have been reported so far, but the fire destroyed several shops and goods, leaving many traders counting their losses. The Edo State Fire Service has deployed multiple units to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby residential areas.

Local authorities have urged residents and market traders to stay calm and allow emergency personnel to manage the situation safely.

Potential Causes of the Fire

While the cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, initial speculations suggest it could have resulted from an electrical fault or improper handling of flammable materials, common in busy markets. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact reason behind the incident.

Community Reaction

Social media platforms have been flooded with updates and reactions, with hashtags like #edolens360 and #edostate trending as concerned citizens share information and call for assistance. Traders affected by the fire are appealing to the state government for urgent support and relief.

Edo State Government Response

The Edo State government is expected to release an official statement detailing relief measures for affected traders and the steps being taken to prevent future fire incidents. Authorities have emphasized the need for market safety awareness and proper emergency preparedness.