Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle Donates ₦20 Million to Vict!ms of Apo Arewa Pantaker Market F!re

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle Donates ₦20 Million to Victims of Apo Arewa Pantaker Market Fire

In a swift and compassionate response to the devastating fire that ravaged homes, shops, and properties belonging to 324 Northerners at the Arewa Pantaker Market in Apo, Abuja, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, paid a solidarity visit to the affected community on Friday evening.

Arriving at the market around 6:05 pm, Matawalle was greeted with a thunderous and emotional ovation as traders and residents trooped out en masse to welcome him. His presence, many said, brought a sense of relief and hope after the tragic incident that left many families counting their losses.

During the visit, the Minister donated ₦20 million in his personal capacity to support the victims. He assured them that he would immediately brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the extent of the destruction and the urgent need for federal intervention.

According to eyewitnesses and community leaders, the fire outbreak consumed shops, residential structures, and valuable goods, leaving many of the affected persons mostly Northerners eking out a living in the market struggling to rebuild their lives.
Matawalle’s visit, empathy, and financial support were widely appreciated. Traders described his gesture as a timely intervention that provided significant succour to a community hit hard by the unforeseen tragedy.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to standing with citizens in moments of crisis, emphasizing that no community or region would be left behind in the nation’s collective progress and welfare.

As emergency relief efforts continue, residents expressed hope that the Federal Government will further assist in rehabilitating the victims and restoring livelihood activities in the market