A morning inferno on Monday, razed the only market in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, leaving residents in shock and confusion. The inferno, which reportedly started around 3.30am shortly after the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company restored power, engulfed the market before emergency services could respond.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, eyewitnesses suspect it may be linked to electrical issues. A resident of the estate who was among the first to notice the blaze, described the scene as tense and chaotic saying he was alerted around 4am, and by then, the fire had already spread.

He added that the cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained but maintained that it could be linked to an electrical fault. Efforts by residents to contact the Federal Fire Service and the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, could not produce an immediate response.

It was gathered that two hours after the fire began, emergency responders finally brought the situation under control, extinguishing the flames and preventing their further spread. As of the time of filing this report, the extent of the damage and the value of goods lost remain unclear. Meanwhile, traders and residents now face the daunting task of assessing the ruins and piecing their lives back together.