Fire on Saturday gutted the popular orange market in Maraba on the outskirt of the Federal Capital Territory, News Agency of Nigeria reports. Eyewitnesses told a NAN correspondent at the scene that the fire started at about 8pm from the tomato section and quickly spread to the other sections of the market. NAN reports that many traders were seen rushing back to salvage their wares as fire fighters fought to control the fire. Although the market is popular for sale of fruits and vegetables over time other wares from household items to secondhand clothing are being sold in the market.
NAN reports that hoodlums had cashed in on the confusion as they invaded the market carting away goods from shops. Meanwhile, truck owners are making brisk business as many traders decided to move their salvaged wares from the market to guard against the activities of the hoodlums. NAN reports that many of the truck owners have hiked their fares taking advantage of the situation. As at the time of filing this report the fire had been brought under control while a detachment of the mobile police has been deployed to secure the market. However, officials of the fire service at the scene decline to comment on the incident.