Benue Traders Devastated as Fire Destroys Over ₦20m Worth Properties at Rice Mill

• A devastating Fire invaded the popular Rice Mill Market in Wurulum, Markurdi rendering most traders shop less, as properties were reduced to ashes.

• Traders cry out for help, seeking government’s intervention in the matter.

There have been massive cries from traders as fire gutted down properties worth millions of naira at the renowned Benue Rice Mill in Wurukum, Makurdi, Benue State.

The incident, which started in the early hours of Monday, March 17, caused significant damage to affected shops, as rice and processing equipment were reduced to ashes.

Daily Report Nigeria gathered that eyewitnesses reported the blaze began near the River Benue Bridge, rapidly consuming several shops and essential milling equipment.

Although operatives of the State Fire Service arrived at the scene and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops, unfortunately, some had already been affected, with processed and unprocessed rice, milling machines, and other goods completely burnt.

Among the affected traders is Mercy Hanmaikyur, who suffered significant losses from the incident. She estimated her damages at about ₦10 million.

Mercy lamented, “This shop was opened last December, and I have invested about ₦10 million. I had three machines—a de-stoning machine, a rice polishing machine—and many bags of processed and unprocessed rice. Everything was burnt.”

Another victim of the incident, Iorwa Jeremiah, also shared his loss. He told newsmen that the fire spread so quickly that no one could save anything from his shop.

Jeremiah stated, “I got a call in the early hours of today. By the time I arrived, I saw other shop owners with firefighters trying to put out the fire. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done.”

READ ALSO: Updated: Otedola Bridge Tanker Explosion Claims One Life, Injured 3 as Fire Destroys Cars and Buildings

Meanwhile, the chairman of the rice mill market, Mr. Terva Igyar, confirmed the huge extent of the damage, noting that several shops, milling machines, and numerous bags of rice were destroyed. He also stated that he had reported the incident to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

Speaking on the cause of the fire incident, Mr. Terva emphasized that electricity was unlikely to be responsible, as the shops lacked power connections. At the moment, the exact cause of the inferno is yet unknown, as investigations are currently ongoing.

Affected traders are appealing to the state governor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and other state authorities for immediate assistance to help rebuild their livelihoods.

READ ALSO: Over 50 Dead, As Fire Guts Night Club

This is not the first fire outbreak in the state. Benue State has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. For instance, in February 2025, a fire devastated the Ihiokwu Main Market in Obi Local Government Area, resulting in losses amounting to millions of naira.

The frequency of such incidents underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements in Benue’s marketplaces to prevent future occurrences.