News Investigators/ Following a fire outbreak at PEELINKS Electronics Limited in Lokoja, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, to conduct an on-the-scene damage assessment.
The late-evening inferno, which severely affected one of the capital’s largest electronics shopping malls, and likely caused by power surge, resulted in losses estimated to run into hundreds of millions of naira, even though the total value of goods destroyed was yet to be ascertained.
Acting on the Governor’s swift directive, Deputy Governor visited the scene to evaluate the scale of destruction firsthand. In the course of his visit, Salifu disclosed that he had immediately briefed Governor Ododo on Wednesday evening after receiving reports that the building’s roof had caught fire.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PEELINKS Electronics Limited, Peter Onujeme, said he got a distress call at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday that fire had engulfed the roof of the mall.
The business mogul said the fire might have been triggered by a power surge, as power supply had been unstable before the incident.
He commended the Lokoja Fire Service for responding swiftly to contain the blaze and thanked operatives of the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as residents who braved the fire to salvage goods.
The CEO of PEELINKS, which stands as one of Kogi’s most prominent retail destinations, thanked the Kogi State Government for their compassion, describing the Deputy Governor’s visit as a deeply reassuring source of comfort during such a difficult period.
He said business activities would resume at the mall on Saturday, October 24, 2026. He revealed that repair works on the damaged roof were ongoing, adding that the company remains committed to serving better its customers within and outside Kogi State.
A statement he issued on Thursday and posted on his Facebook page, reads: “The management of Peelinks Electrical Mall, Lokoja, Kogi State, wishes to express its profound gratitude to members of the public who demonstrated exceptional courage, solidarity and selflessness during yesterday’s fire incident that affected our business premises.
“We are so moved by the show of love and support of individuals who, despite the danger posed by the fire, made bold attempts to rescue most of our goods from the incident. Your assistance in such a time shows the spirit of humanity and community support that we deeply cherish.
“Our prayers go to those who sustained injuries during the rescue efforts. We genuinely sympathise with them and wish them a complete recovery. Their courageous actions will not be forgotten, and we remain grateful for their concerns for our business.
“This unfortunate incident, which marks the second fire outbreak within six years, is a painful experience for us. However, the overwhelming support expressed by the public has strengthened our resolve to overcome this setback.
“We appreciate the support of everyone, including individuals, emergency responders, security agencies etc who assisted during this trying period.
“At this time, we appeal to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Further updates will be communicated through our official and verified communication channels as appropriate.
“We say a big thank you to the good people of Lokoja, Kogi State and everyone who stood with us. Your kindness will forever be remembered.”
Other top government officials who visited the scene to sympathize with the management of PEELINKS included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade; Commissioners for Special Duties, Hon. Sunday Faleke, and Environment, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen; Special Adviser on Corporate Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Fancy Tiamiyu, and other members of the State Executive Council.