Fire broke out on Sunday at Next Cash and Carry, a popular supermarket in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
The supermarket is located along Ahmadu Bello way, Kado-kuchi area of Jahi- Kado expressway.
Spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service Ugo Huan advised residents to avoid the area as firefighters battle to put out the fire and prevent its spread.
“The Service has turned out firefighters to the scene, who are currently fighting the fire,” Mrs Huan said.
Huan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that because of the festive season, it was expected that residents might visit the store, hence the warning to avoid the area.
“Members of the public are to take note and avoid that route,” she said.
Huan said firefighters from over three different zones, including the FCT fire service, were at the scene fighting the fire.
A video posted on Instagram by singer Paul Play shows residents looting the supermarket.
The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of press time.
An eyewitness Sandra Emeka said she was at the gate of the supermarket trying to gain entrance to the compound when she noticed dark smoke coming out of the store.
“I don’t know where the fire started from or what caused it but I just noticed the smoke and heard people around telling us to move back that there was fire,” she said.
Another customer Philip Paul expressed sadness over the incident as he described the supermarket as a “big shopping centre.”
“It is so unfortunate this happened at this time when the store must have been stocked up for the festive season.
“This is a great loss and I sympathise with the management of this supermarket,” he said.
