A midnight fire incident on Thursday devastated a rice mill located in Ega-Idah, the administrative centre of Idah Local Government Area in Kogi State.
Reports obtained by Henzodaily revealed that the fire broke out around 3:00 a.m. following an explosion that resonated throughout the vicinity.
This rice mill, a collaborative effort between two friends, the late Muhammed and Amodu, served as an essential resource for local farmers and rice traders in Idah and the surrounding Ibaji communities.
A security guard present at the scene reported hearing a sound reminiscent of a match being struck, which was followed by a spark and an explosion that rapidly consumed the mill.
The lack of electricity at the time complicated efforts to identify any potential suspects, according to his account.
“This is the peak season for our business, and this incident is a severe setback,” Musa, a rice merchant from Idah, told Daily Trust.
The individual noted that the loss of the mill, which is valued at more than ₦200 million, would have a significant negative effect on the local economy, particularly during the festive season when the demand for rice tends to peak.
Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Kogi State, SP Williams Aya, for his insights were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not accessible.