A bean dealer in Ogun State, Mr Michael Omeh, and his younger brother have lost goods worth about N13 million after a fire outbreak razed two of their shops at Panseke Market in Abeokuta South Local Council of the state.

A visit to the shops showed extensive damage, with the roofs reduced to ashes, charred wood, exposed electric wires and burnt bags of beans scattered around the premises.

Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Council, Afeez Balogun, who visited the scene, reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing support to people in distress, particularly the affected shop owners.

“This visit is not just a formality; it is a promise that everyone matters. We feel your pain and are determined to provide support and relief. Government should be felt, especially in tough times. We will get through this together,” he said.

Narrating his ordeal, Omeh said he was asleep when he received a call on Monday, January 19, 2026, informing him that his shop and that of his brother, Samuel Omeh, were on fire, adding that many bags of beans had already been destroyed before he arrived.

He lamented that the incident would make it difficult for him, his brother, and their apprentices to quickly revive the business, and appealed to the local and state governments to urgently assist them so they could return to their trade.

Omeh added that the timely intervention of the Ogun State Fire Service and other residents helped to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring shops.