Fire razes Wurukum rice mill in Makurdi, destroys machines, rice bags

A devastating fire outbreak has ravaged parts of the Wurukum Rice Mill at Makurdi Bridge Head, destroying several rice processing machines and an uncountable number of rice bags.

The fire, which started around 10 p.m. on Sunday after traders had closed for the day, was reportedly caused by an electrical spark.

However, the swift response of the Benue State Fire Service helped contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further into the market and the adjacent timber section.

Among the affected traders, Mrs. Mercy Hanmaikyur lamented her losses, revealing that she had invested over N10 million since starting her business in December 2023.

“I have lost everything to the fire,” she said, pleading with Governor Hyacinth Alia for financial assistance after her milling machines, de-stoning machines, polisher, and rice stock were completely destroyed.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Wurukum Rice Mill Market, Terva Igyar, stated that beyond the shops affected, a motorcycle, six milling machines, and numerous bags of rice were lost. He added that an assessment was ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and seek government intervention.

Attempts to get comments from the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.