Another Fire Disaster: Former Karmo Market Traders’ Chair Appeals to Wike for Assistance

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja

Chief Silvanus Makata, former Chairman of the Karmo Market Traders Association, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to urgently assist traders whose shops were destroyed by fire on Sunday.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Makata lamented that the market has continued to experience repeated fire outbreaks, with the latest incident razing several shops and goods.

He expressed deep frustration, noting that traders have endured prolonged hardship since the market was demolished in 2006.
“This is not the first time fire has ravaged this market. It has happened repeatedly, and we have lost countless shops and goods. We are appealing to the Minister to please help us rebuild our market,” Makata said.
He recalled that the market was demolished by the FCT Administration in 2006 and that despite a court ruling directing the government to compensate traders and rebuild the market, the judgment has yet to be implemented.
“We have moved from one government to another, but nobody has come to our aid. We are tired of suffering. We are appealing to Barrister Nyesom Wike to come to our rescue,” he pleaded.
Makata also raised concerns that the recurring fires could be deliberate attempts to destroy the market, although he did not directly accuse anyone. He called on the Minister to order a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The traders are seeking the Minister’s intervention to rebuild the market and provide a safe and secure environment for their businesses. Makata emphasized that the market remains the only one in the FCT with its present structure, surviving largely due to a subsisting court order.
“We are tired of these frequent fires. We need the Minister’s help. We believe he is capable. He is Mr. Project, and we are appealing to him as our brother,” Makata added.
He further recalled that in 2008, the Senate Committee on the FCT investigated the demolition and recommended compensation and relocation for the traders. However, the recommendation was never implemented.
Now, the affected traders are placing their hopes on Minister Wike to intervene and provide relief.
As smoke from the recent inferno continues to linger, the hardship facing Karmo Market traders remains severe. Mrs. Ayinde Felicia, who lost three shops stocked with tissues, soaps, and serviettes, described the loss as devastating.
“I am an old woman, and I am not strong enough to start all over again,” she said tearfully.
Her experience highlights the human toll of the recurring fires. Many of the traders are elderly and struggling to rebuild their livelihoods, making government intervention increasingly urgent.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has therefore been urged to treat the situation with urgency and provide the much-needed relief to the affected traders.
Makata was also seen showing members of the media the sections of the market destroyed by the fire.