Fire Destroys Shops in Abraka, Traders Suffer Heavy Losses

A suspected lightning-induced fire during a heavy downpour on Friday afternoon has destroyed at least three shops in Abraka, Delta State, leaving traders with losses running into millions of naira.

The incident occurred at the busy Campus 1 Small Gate area, causing panic among residents and business owners as thick smoke engulfed the affected buildings.

An eyewitness, Mr. Goodnews, a wood seller whose shop was affected, said the fire broke out suddenly while business activities were ongoing despite the rain.

“We were working and trying to deliver wood to a customer when the rain became heavy and thunder started. Suddenly, someone shouted that there was fire behind us,” he said.

The flames reportedly spread quickly, consuming three adjoining shops before firefighters or locals could bring the situation under control.

Traders expressed concern over the suspected origin of the fire, alleging it started from a locked shop belonging to a female foam dealer who has reportedly been away in her village for over three months due to illness. They noted that no one had accessed the shop during that period, ruling out human activity.

Residents also recalled that a similar fire incident had occurred in the same shop about two years ago, raising further concerns about the recurring nature of the outbreak.