Question: Write a newspaper report on the fire outbreak in a popular market in your town.
FIRE OUTBREAK RAZES PART OF CENTRAL MARKET
By Mariam Sule, Staff Reporter
Introduction
A devastating fire outbreak occurred at the Central Market, Lokoja, on Sunday, 15th October 2023, destroying goods worth millions of naira and leaving traders in tears. The incident, which started around 1:30 a.m., raged for nearly three hours before it was finally brought under control.
Cause of the Fire
Although the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, eyewitnesses believe it may have been triggered by an electrical fault from one of the shops. Some traders also alleged that a generator left running overnight may have sparked the inferno. Investigations are still ongoing.
Extent of the Damage
The fire affected over 120 shops, mostly in the textile, electronics, and provision sections. Goods such as fabrics, refrigerators, bags of rice, and household equipment were completely burnt. Preliminary estimates suggest that the total loss could be above ₦500 million.
Response from Authorities
The Kogi State Fire Service responded promptly after receiving distress calls. However, the intensity of the fire and congestion of the market delayed their operations. Despite this, the firefighters, with the support of local youths, were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjoining timber section of the market.
Eyewitness Accounts
A trader, Mrs. Grace Okon, who lost her textile shop, lamented:
“I watched helplessly as the fire consumed everything I worked for over the years. I don’t know where to start again.”
Another trader, Mr. Abdullahi Musa, blamed the lack of fire extinguishers and poor safety measures in the market for the massive destruction.
Government Intervention
The Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Hon. Usman Adamu, visited the scene hours later and sympathized with the victims. He assured them that the government would set up a committee to assess the level of damage and provide relief packages to affected traders.
Preventive Measures Suggested
- Installation of fire extinguishers in all shops.
- Regular electrical inspections to prevent faults.
- Creation of accessible emergency routes within the market.
- Public enlightenment campaigns on fire safety.
Conclusion
The fire outbreak at Central Market, Lokoja, stands as one of the worst in recent years. While the government has promised relief to the affected traders, there is an urgent need for stricter safety regulations in markets across the state to prevent future tragedies.
Examiners’ Expectations
WAEC examiners expect:
- Newspaper format: headline, byline, and clear story flow.
- Proper journalistic style (Who? What? When? Where? How?).
- Balanced account with eyewitness reports and official comments.
- Formal, factual, and clear language.
- A closing section showing possible solutions.
Tips for Students
- Always begin with a catchy headline that summarizes the event.
- Use the inverted pyramid style: most important facts first.
- Include dates, figures, and quotes to make your report realistic.
- Avoid personal opinions—stick to facts.
- Conclude with government action or preventive measures.