Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, on Saturday visited the Pigba Pantaker District Market in Apo, Abuja, where he met with the 324 Northerners whose houses, shops and goods were destroyed in a devastating wild fire three days earlier.
The inferno which swept through the market at night, razed makeshift homes, burnt tools and wares and left many traders stranded with no means of livelihood.
Matawalle, visibly moved by the scale of destruction, went round the affected sections of the market to assess the damage firsthand. He interacted with victims—many of whom recounted how the fire consumed everything they owned within minutes.
In his personal capacity, the minister donated ₦20 million to support the victims and provide immediate relief. He assured them that he would formally brief President Bola Tinubu on the incident and push for further federal intervention to rehabilitate the affected traders.
His visit brought significant emotional relief to the victims, most of whom are northerners earning their living through metal works, repairs, and recycling. Many expressed gratitude, saying his presence showed they were not abandoned in their moment of hardship.
Matawalle arrived at the market at about few minutes after 6pm, where he was received with a thunderous ovation. Marketers trooped out en masse, chanting his name and applauding his compassion as he made his way through the burnt premises.
Community leaders and market associations thanked the minister for the gesture and urged the government to support rebuilding efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
“I urge you all to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed. I can assure you all, Nigeria will be great under Tinubu”, Matawalle tells the people.
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