PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
Abuja’s Karu Main Market has undergone renovation after a devastating fire with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) completing the first phase of its reconstruction.
This initial stage has seen the rebuilding of 234 shops, replacing some of the 614 destroyed in a devastating fire in June 2024.
Persecondnews had reported that the fire, which occurred on June 27, ravaged approximately 50% of the market, resulting in substantial financial losses estimated to be in millions.
The reconstruction efforts aim to revive the market and support affected traders in recovering from the disaster.
According to Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, the Acting Director-General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the delayed response to the fire was due to challenges in gaining access to the affected area.
AMAC Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, during his visit to the scene of the fire incident, assured the victims that assistance would be provided to them promptly.
When Persecondnews visited the market on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, traders were full of gratitude, showering praise and prayers on Maikalangu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for delivering on their promises.
The Chairman of the Karu Market Association, Mr. Abdulahadi Abubakar, was particularly thankful to Maikalangu for swiftly fulfilling his commitment.
Having traded at the market since 2001, Abubakar noted that this was the fastest assistance he had ever received.
Abubakar also appealed to Maikalangu to expedite the completion of the second and third phases of the market’s reconstruction.
With a hint of humour, he added that, like Oliver Twist, they would continue to ask for more with the enthusiasm stemming from the significant progress made since the fire incident.
He said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the AMAC Chairman for demonstrating his genuine support and care for traders like us at Karu Market. He made a promise, and he kept it.
“Not only has he successfully completed the reconstruction of 236 shops, the first batch affected by the fire, but he has also provided us with the necessary forms to facilitate a seamless recovery process.
“They told us that the purchase price for each reconstructed shop is N2.5 million, followed by an annual ground rent payment. Previously, our annual ground rent was N24,000, but the new rate remains to be announced.
“We are praying to God to grant them more wisdom and resources, enabling them to initiate the second phase, so all traders without shops can be accommodated.”
Also in an interview with Persecondnews, Mr. Austin Obi, the Vice Chairman of the Karu Market Association, made a passionate appeal to individuals and organizations that had pledged financial assistance to the fire victims to fulfill their commitments.
According to him, scores of traders are still reeling from the financial losses incurred during the fire and are in dire need of financial assistance to recover.
He said: “We are still pleading with the Minister of FCT and the AMAC Chairman to compensate the traders financially for their losses, just as they promised earlier.
“Since the market burned down, many traders are still struggling financially. When the fire incident occurred, the National Assembly Committee visited and made promises which they have yet to fulfill.
“Our senator, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, also made a promise that she has not kept. Similarly, Rep. Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, made a promise he has not fulfilled.
“I am using this opportunity to remind them of their promises and urge them to come to our aid.”
Some traders who also spoke to Persecondnews, expressed gratitude to the authorities for the progress made so far, but also appealed for the commencement of the second phase and financial compensation.
Despite their excitement over the market’s reconstruction, traders like Mr. Ibrahim Mubarak expressed concerns about the financial struggles they face.
Mubarak revealed that many traders are currently unable to stock their newly rebuilt shops due to a lack of funds, highlighting the need for additional support to help them recover from the devastating fire.
He said: “We are happy they are rebuilding the market, but we need money to buy back the goods destroyed by the fire incident.
“We are pleading with Nigerians to show us mercy and come to our aid; we don’t know who else to turn to.
“The N2.5 million required for each shop is too much for us. We are also pleading for a reduction in price or the option to pay in instalments, as previously agreed.
“Additionally, we are pleading for the opportunity for at least two or three people to pool their resources and pay for one shop together.”
When Persecondnews visited AMAC on Wednesday to enquire about when the next phase of reconstruction will start,
Mr. Muhammad Suraj, the media aide to the AMAC Chairman, promised to get back to us, saying “they (officials) were busy.”
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