Residents of Trademore Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, were jolted into panic as a massive fire broke out in the estate’s market around 3:30 a.m. on Monday.
The fire reportedly started shortly after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) restored power, rapidly spreading through the market before emergency responders could arrive.
According to an eyewitness and resident, Joe, “The fire had already spread by the time I was alerted at 4 a.m. We suspect an electrical fault, but nothing has been confirmed yet.”
Emergency response teams, including the Dunamis Church fire service, EFCC firefighters, and Sauka Station personnel, arrived at the scene but not until two hours later, around 5 a.m.
The delay raised concerns among residents, with many lamenting the risk posed by inadequate emergency response.
“If there hadn’t been any rescue efforts, lives and properties would have been at significant risk, especially in these tough economic times,” Joe added.
Although the flames were eventually extinguished, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, leaving residents demanding improved readiness from fire agencies to avoid similar incidents in the future.
