Fire Destroys Popular Jattu Community Market in Edo, Leaving Traders Devastated

Our reporter

A devastating fire has ravaged the bustling Jattu Community market in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving traders in utter despair.

The blaze, which broke out around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, destroyed shops, stalls, and millions of Naira worth of goods, bringing the thriving marketplace to a standstill. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations are on-going.

This disaster comes only six months after a deadly windstorm caused over a century-old tree to collapse on traders, tragically killing four people. The latest tragedy has left traders grappling with unimaginable loss as they stood helplessly by, unable to save much of their stock as the fire consumed everything in its path.

Local residents have expressed deep sorrow, with some traders seen weeping as they surveyed the charred remains of their businesses. Many are left with nothing, their livelihoods destroyed in mere minutes.

The local government had previously supported the victims of the windstorm, offering compensation and providing livelihood support to those affected. It is unclear whether similar assistance will be extended to the victims of this fire, though officials are expected to announce plans in the coming days.