Ododo Sends Deputy to PEELINKS After Lokoja Fire, Owner Estimates Losses in Hundreds of Millions

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja | October 22, 2026

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has sent his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, to assess the damage caused by Wednesday’s fire at PEELINKS Electronics Limited in Lokoja, where the owner estimated losses at hundreds of millions of naira.

Salifu visited the electronics mall on Thursday and commended firefighters, security personnel and residents who helped contain the blaze and salvage goods.

The deputy governor said he informed Ododo immediately after receiving news of the fire on Wednesday evening. The governor subsequently directed him to visit the premises and assess the situation firsthand.

Owner recounts how fire started

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PEELINKS Electronics Limited, Mr Peter Onujeme, said a member of staff called him at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday to report that the mall’s roof was burning.

Onujeme suspected a power surge, explaining that electricity supply had repeatedly gone off and returned before the outbreak. His account did not establish the cause of the fire.

He said a full assessment of the destroyed goods had not been completed but estimated the losses to be worth hundreds of millions of naira.

Firefighters and residents helped salvage goods

Salifu praised the swift intervention of firefighters, security agencies and Lokoja youths, saying their efforts helped reduce the damage.

Onujeme also commended the Lokoja Fire Service, whose response he credited with preventing more extensive destruction.

He thanked the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their assistance, alongside young residents who entered the affected building to recover goods.

The business owner said their collective intervention helped save property during the emergency.

Government visit brings reassurance

Onujeme expressed appreciation to the state government for its concern, saying the deputy governor’s visit brought relief and reassured him that he was not alone during the difficult period.

PEELINKS Electronics Limited is a major electronics retailer in Lokoja, serving customers in the state capital and surrounding communities.

The extent of the losses remained subject to a detailed assessment at the time of the visit.