POPULAR market in the Central Area of Abuja, Wuse market was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, March 12, causing panic and forcing several to flee the area.

It was gathered that the fire was a result of some angry youths setting parts of the market ablaze following the killing of a suspect by a police officer attached to a Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) taskforce.

The pandemonium started after a young boy who was convicted by the task force of the Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML) attempted to escape while he was being taken to the police station located within the market. In reaction to this, a police officer escorting him shot and killed him.

Read Also:

• Fire guts FCT minister of state’s residence
• Audit report shows FCT department failed to account for N367m

This led the youths to burn down some shops, the AMML office, and vehicles.

It also led to a stampede in the market as people rushed to save their property.

While it is unclear how many people were injured in the stampede and the number of cars and buildings affected by the fire, the AMML Public Relations Officer, Innocent Amaechina, said the operatives of the Fire Service and the police had restricted people from the market.

Traffic gridlock was on all the roads leading to the market as distraught traders and customers were seen running in different directions.

Meanwhile, policemen who arrived at the market barricaded the entrance to prevent people from moving into the market.

To forestall possible looting, they were seen shooting sporadically and firing tear gas into the air.

According to findings, a section of the market, specifically the car park at the northern side of the entrance, had been engulfed as smoke billowed into the atmosphere.

Some vehicles in the car park have been burnt already.

People inside the market also force themselves out by jumping the perimeter fence.