By: Manoah kikekon
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| Mowo Market |
A midnight fire swept through Mowo Motor Park in Olorunda LCDA, Badagry Lagos State, reducing shops and goods worth millions of naira to ashes. The blaze, sparked by an electrical fault, left business owners in ruins including a popular trader who lost over ₦1 million in cash.
The late-night inferno on Saturday destroyed at least three shops at the bustling Mowo Motor Park, leaving traders in despair. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire erupted shortly after power was restored in the area, with an electrical spark triggering the disaster.
The flames spread rapidly, catching shop owners off guard. Among the worst-hit was Gèlè-ọdùn, a well-known businesswoman whose shop packed with drinks, freezers, and other merchandise was completely razed. Tragically, over ₦1 million in cash kept inside also turned to ashes.
"I don’t know how to start again," lamented one of her salesgirls, fighting back tears. "Everything gone in just one night."
Another victim, Aboki, a provision store owner, watched helplessly as his entire stock bags of rice, cartons of noodles, and other food items was consumed by the fire.
"I rushed here when I got the call, but it was too late," he said, his voice heavy with grief. "My life’s savings were in that shop."
Local residents rallied together to battle the flames, preventing further spread. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the damage was already done.
With their livelihoods destroyed, affected traders are now calling on the government, NGOs, and compassionate Nigerians for urgent assistance.
"This was our only means of survival," one shop owner pleaded. "We beg for help to start again."