An early morning inferno has engulfed the popular Ogbogonogo market, Asaba, Delta State capital, destroying buildings and goods worth millions of naira.
Though the cause of the fire is unknown as at press time, sources said it could have resulted from a power surge.
The market is located along Nnebisi Road, Asaba.
Able-bodied men from the community were said to have expended several hours in an effort to put out the raging fire.
Traders raced to the market to salvage their wares as early as 6.30 am when they got news of the inferno.
Some shopowners were inconsolable, claiming to have lost goods valued at millions to the inferno.
Others wept profusely after their shops were looted by unknown persons in a bid to salvage merchandise from the fire.
Though no life was lost in the tragic incident, wares were consumed with traders lamenting and counting their losses.
Delta Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Mofe Pirah said the State government was doing its best, adding back-up trucks from Ogwashi-Uku and Agbor were being mobilised to the scene. The fire was brought under control four hours later, many shops had been gutted.