“I lost about N7.5 million worth of goods” – Victims of Apapa fire cry for help

by Rachel Ogbu

Spare parts market, Trinity, Apapa (Photo: Punch)
Spare parts market, Trinity, Apapa
(Photo: Punch)

Tales of woe and desperation were captured yesterday following the fire at the Speedwell Plaza, otherwise known as Trinity Spare Parts Market, in Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

The fire which was believed to have destroyed up to 150 shops left many traders in total despair.

The traders called on the  and Lagos State Government to come to their aid saying their loss in Sunday inferno was unbearable and could not be solely carried by them without help.

[READ: Disaster: Fire razes 150 spare parts shops in Apapa ]

Businessman, Chibuike Ikeogwonu, told PUNCH Metro that he lost goods worth N7.5m.

“I had three shops there where I sold phones and accessories. My goods were worth about N7.5m and they have all been destroyed. I have no other means of livelihood. I have been in hospital since the shock and I am calling on the government for help,” he said.

Okeke Theophilous, who deals in motor spare parts, said he lost three of his shops also said, “I was in a church at Kirikiri when a friend called me that our plaza was on fire/. Before I could get here, all the shops had been razed.

“The report we got was that the fire was caused by electrical fault. We trust God and also the state government to come up with some kind of help because we lost everything we had to the fire.”

Cyril Obiadigwu, said he had been rendered poor by the fire.

“I rushed down here with the hope that I could save some of my goods, but the fire was so intense that even with the efforts of the fire service men, sympathisers and other traders, it could not be put out until most of our shops were totally destroyed.

“I lost three shops in the incident. Right now, we are helpless, because we lost all our properties to the fire. I did not get a pin out of this place.

According to reports, supposedly good Samaritan were accused of stealing some of the salvaged goods.

 

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