Two bean dealers in Ogun State, Mr Michael Omeh and his younger brother, Samuel Omeh, have lost goods valued at about N13 million following a fire outbreak that razed their shops at Panseke Market in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

The inferno destroyed 180 bags of beans, leaving the two shops badly damaged. A visit to the scene by The Guardian revealed extensive destruction, with the roofs of both shops burnt to ashes, charred wooden structures, exposed electrical wires and heaps of burnt bean bags.

The Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Afeez Balogun, visited the affected shops and reassured the victims of his administration’s commitment to providing support to people in distress.

“This visit is not just a formality; it is a promise that this administration stands with everyone,” Balogun said. “We feel your pain, and we are determined to provide support and relief within our capacity. Government should be felt, especially in tough times.”

He added that the council shares in the pain of the affected traders and remains committed to offering assistance as part of its people-centred and compassionate governance approach.

Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Omeh said the fire broke out on Monday, January 19, 2026, while he was at home asleep. He explained that he received a distress call around 10:00 p.m., informing him that his shop and that of his brother were on fire.

“Before I could get to the market, most of the goods had already been burnt to ashes,” he said. Omeh lamented that rebuilding the business would be extremely difficult, noting that he is a father of two and currently responsible for 14 apprentices.

“In these two shops, we had about 180 bags of beans worth N13 million,” he said. “It will be very hard for me and my brother to revive the business without assistance. The shops need total refurbishment.”

He added that the timely intervention of the Ogun State Fire Service, with support from good Samaritans, prevented the fire from spreading to nearby shops, which could have resulted in more losses.

“We also trade in rice, beans and groundnut oil, but it was only the beans that were destroyed,” he said. “If not for the fire service, the damage would have been much worse.”

Omeh appealed to the local and state governments to urgently come to their aid, stressing that without support, returning to business would be a major challenge for both families. (The Guardian)

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