A massive fire has torn through the Benue Rice Mill Market in Wurukum, Makurdi, causing extensive damage to shops and properties, with traders now calling for immediate government intervention. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, March 17, 2025, left traders devastated, as millions of naira worth of goods, including rice and essential milling equipment, were reduced to ashes.
The fire is reported to have started near the River Benue Bridge and quickly spread to several shops, destroying essential processing equipment and large quantities of rice. According to eyewitnesses, the fire was so intense that it consumed everything in its path before the State Fire Service arrived on the scene. Though fire personnel managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the market, many traders lost their goods in the process.
Among the affected traders is Mercy Hanmaikyur, who had opened her shop only a few months ago in December 2024. She estimates her losses at around ₦10 million. Hanmaikyur, who was visibly shaken, shared the devastating impact of the fire, saying, “I had three machines – a de-stoning machine, a rice polishing machine, and many bags of processed and unprocessed rice. Everything was burnt. My investment of ₦10 million has been wiped out in an instant.”
Another trader, Iorwa Jeremiah, also suffered heavy losses. He recounted the tragic incident, saying, “I got a call in the early hours of today, and by the time I arrived at the market, other shop owners and firefighters were already trying to put out the fire. Unfortunately, everything in my shop was already destroyed. The fire spread so quickly that nothing could be saved.”
The chairman of the rice mill market, Mr. Terva Igyar, confirmed the extent of the damage, revealing that several shops, milling machines, and thousands of bags of rice were completely destroyed. Igyar, who expressed his concern over the devastating effect on the traders, said that he had already reported the incident to the appropriate authorities, urging them to take prompt action to support the victims.
“Many of the traders here have lost everything, and they need urgent assistance,” Igyar said. “The fire has left most of them without their livelihood. We are calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia and other state officials to provide the necessary help to rebuild the market and assist affected traders.”
The traders, who are still in shock from the incident, are pleading with the state government for immediate financial and logistical support to help them recover from the disaster. “We have families to take care of, and without our businesses, it will be very difficult to survive. We are asking for assistance so we can rebuild our shops and continue with our businesses,” one trader stated.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, Mr. Igyar mentioned that it was unlikely to be caused by electricity, as the shops in the market do not have power connections. Investigations are currently underway to uncover the source of the inferno. As the cause remains unknown, the authorities are working to piece together information that could help prevent such incidents in the future.
This devastating incident comes just a month after a similar tragedy struck the Ihiokwu Main Market in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State. A fire that broke out in February 2025 caused extensive damage, leaving traders with millions of naira in losses. The recurring nature of these fires in Benue markets has raised serious concerns about safety standards and infrastructure in the state.
The frequency of fire outbreaks in Benue State’s markets has underscored the urgent need for better safety protocols and infrastructure improvements. Traders and market leaders have long called for fire safety measures, such as the installation of fire alarms, water sprinklers, and regular fire drills, to prevent future tragedies.
In addition, many market areas in the state lack adequate fire prevention equipment, and access to fire services can be slow in some remote areas. These issues have highlighted the importance of investing in fire safety infrastructure to protect traders and their businesses.
As the traders begin the difficult task of picking up the pieces after this devastating fire, they hope that the state government will act swiftly to provide the support needed to rebuild their livelihoods. “We’ve lost so much, and we need help to get back on our feet,” Mercy Hanmaikyur said, her voice filled with desperation.
At the time of writing, the Benue State government has not yet issued an official response to the traders’ call for help. However, with the extent of the damage being so severe, the authorities are likely to face mounting pressure to address the needs of the victims promptly.
Governor Hyacinth Alia and other state officials are expected to assess the situation and announce plans to support the traders in the coming days. However, the traders are urging that assistance be provided as soon as possible to minimize the impact of the disaster on their lives.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the traders of the Benue Rice Mill Market are left to reflect on their losses and rebuild their businesses. Many are unsure of how they will recover from such a significant financial blow, but with the support of the community and the government, they remain hopeful that they will be able to resume their work and rebuild their livelihoods.
While the fire has caused a setback for the rice milling industry in Benue State, the resilience of the affected traders and their determination to get back on their feet could serve as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
