An inferno yesterday gutted a two-storey building in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, destroying essential commodities valued at several million Naira.

The fire, which broke out at about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday along Achusa Adeke Road, consumed bags of rice, beans, garri, and other essential items stored in the affected facility. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, though some residents believe it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.

An eyewitness recounted that an electrician had carried out repairs on a nearby Jos Electricity Distribution pole a fortnight ago. The fire rapidly spread and razed the building, causing significant losses.

The owner of the storage facility, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude that lives were spared, stating that all glory is returned to God.

Mr. Vincent Vernuimbe, a local resident, described the damage as unprecedented and confirmed that no lives were lost. He noted that by the time the fire service arrived, the blaze had already destroyed all stored items, including large quantities of rice, beans, garri, and other commodities, worth several millions of Naira.

Efforts to reach the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for clarification were unsuccessful, as multiple calls to her mobile line went unanswered.