A mechanic workshop housing vehicle panel beaters, automobile mechanics, and auto electricians has been completely destroyed by a devastating fire at No. 30 Benin-Auchi Road, opposite Market Square, Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1, 2026, while residents of the area were asleep. The inferno is believed to have started at about 5:00 a.m., rapidly engulfing the workshop and reducing a caravan store containing vital working equipment and tools to ashes.
The fire destroyed vehicle parts, batteries, car keys, electrical equipment, mechanical tools, and other valuables belonging to the artisans who operated from the facility.
When IBN News visited the scene, victims were seen assessing the extent of the destruction and salvaging what little remained of their livelihoods.
Speaking to IBN News on camera, the owner of the workshop and panel beater, Mr. John Igbinesigie, described the incident as a devastating setback that has left him and his colleagues struggling to recover from their losses.
Also speaking with IBN News were Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, an automobile mechanic, and Mr. Mike Oni, an automobile electrician. The artisans lamented that the fire destroyed the tools and equipment they depend on daily to earn a living and provide for their families.
According to them, the workshop was their primary source of income and the only means through which they catered for their loved ones. They appealed to members of the public, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and the Edo State Government under the leadership of Monday Okpebholo to come to their aid and support efforts to rebuild the destroyed workshop.
The affected workers said the loss of their equipment and working materials has made it difficult for them to resume operations, expressing concern about how they will sustain themselves and their families in the aftermath of the disaster.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire had not been officially determined, although the victims said the blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning before spreading rapidly across the premises.
Residents and sympathizers who gathered at the scene expressed concern over the incident and called for assistance for the affected workers as they seek to recover from the tragedy.
For the victims, the destruction represents more than the loss of property; it is the loss of their means of livelihood. They remain hopeful that support from government authorities and well-meaning Nigerians will enable them to rebuild and return to work.
