Abuja — Traders in Zuba Fruits Market, Abuja, are lamenting their losses in a fire which broke out in the market in the early hours of Monday.

Some of the traders told the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Zakari Angulu, that the fire started at 2am.

Alhaji Abdullahi Saadu, Chairman, Zuba Fruits Market Association, said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

He commended the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Zuba, Mr. Femi Adelegan, for ensuring that the neighbouring residential houses were not affected.

He said: "We were helpless when the fire started at about 2am. We called the DPO and he called the Fire Service in Kubwa. All the shops in the market were razed by the fire although no life was lost.

"We appeal to the relevant authorities, particularly the FCT Minister, to come to our aid since our means of livelihood have been destroyed by fire."

Responding, Angulu said the visit was in line with his administration's commitment to ensuring that lives and property were protected.

"We are here to see the extent of the damage to enable us to report to the appropriate authorities, particularly the FCT Minister."