Kugbo Furniture Market fire destroys shops and goods in Abuja

A major fire outbreak at the Kugbo Furniture Market along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Nigeria has destroyed numerous shops and goods worth millions of naira. Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze likely began following an electrical spark after electricity was restored by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) conducted a preliminary assessment, determining that 21 shops and one vehicle were affected. While no casualties were reported, the fire caused extensive damage to furniture, equipment, and merchandise. Firefighters worked to contain the inferno to prevent it from spreading to adjoining structures.

In response to the incident, Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory called for stricter enforcement of existing fire safety regulations and the modernization of the national fire and rescue framework to protect the livelihoods of traders in high-risk commercial areas.