The incident occurred at about 3am in the densely populated area.

The cause of the blaze was yet to be determined as of the time of this report.

A team of state fire service personnel was at the scene battling the flames, though parts of the building were difficult to access.

About seven large shops and eight rooms were destroyed, including a liquor warehouse that lost over fifty crates of beer.

The inferno was brought under control after about four hours, though smoke was still visible in parts of the building.

Operatives from the Azikiwe Police Division were at the scene to prevent looting and protect salvaged property