Property Lost as Fire Razes Shops in Benin, Nigeria

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, multiple incidents in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria resulted in several deaths and significant property damage. In the early morning hours, a fire broke out in a commercial building near the Ekiosa market, destroying goods worth billions of naira. The blaze started around 1:30 am due to an electrical surge when power was restored, razing about 20 shops, including a bureau de change where foreign and local currencies were burned.

Later that day, another fire engulfed four shops on the busy Ugbowo-Lagos road. The fire originated from a shop dealing in hospital and laboratory equipment and rapidly spread to neighboring businesses. Residents and shop owners attempted to salvage goods as the fire caused widespread anxiety, but firefighters were unable to extinguish the blaze.

Why this matters: The devastating fires in Benin emphasize the ongoing challenges with fire safety and emergency response in Nigeria. The loss of lives and livelihoods stresses the urgent need for improved fire prevention measures and infrastructure to protect citizens and businesses.

One of the victims, Mr. Sunday Madubuko, who operated a boutique, estimated his losses from the fire to be over 20 million naira. "I lost goods worth over 20 million naira in the fire," Madubuko said. Several fire services, including the Federal Fire Service, Edo State Fire Service, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport Benin, the University of Benin Fire Service, and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Fire Service, responded to the incidents but were unable to bring the fires under control.

Key Takeaways

• Devastating fires in Benin, Nigeria on April 21, 2024 caused deaths, property damage.
• Fires started from electrical surge, spread rapidly, firefighters unable to control them.
• Estimated losses of over 20 million naira for one victim, several fire services responded.
• Fires emphasize challenges with fire safety, emergency response in Nigeria.
• Investigations ongoing, community in shock as they cope with aftermath of the blazes.