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A devastating fire outbreak on Tuesday night razed the popular Rumuomasi Morning Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira.
Traders were left in shock, with some weeping openly as they watched helplessly while their shops and wares were consumed by flames.
Eyewitnesses and victims said the fire started between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., shortly after electricity was restored, reportedly due to an electrical spark.
Firefighters from the Federal and Rivers State fire services, alongside emergency crews from nearby oil companies, responded promptly. However, they struggled to access the core of the inferno, though they eventually managed to extinguish the blaze.
To prevent looting, policemen were deployed to maintain order and protect what was left of the goods and property.
One of the victims, Mr Anthony Chikere, a former chairman of the Rumuomasi Morning Market, recounted the experience. Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday afternoon, he said he was at home when he began receiving distress calls.
“We closed yesterday and left here (market) some minutes after 6pm to 7pm. Not up to an hour after we got home, we were called that there was a fire outbreak,” he said.
Chikere, who sells wholesale lace and other clothing materials, said the damage was extensive.
“So, before we got here, the fire had destroyed many places. They said it happened when power was restored. My shop and that of a lady selling Weavon were the major victims on this line because we lost everything.
“I sell big Laces, Damat, Senator materials, Satin. There is no type of bale material you won’t find here. We even have machines for urgent sewing,” he added.
Estimating his losses, he stated, “If I didn’t lose anything, I have lost N180 million in this shop because even though we have not opened three bales we brought in within the week. They all got burned.
“We are calling on the Government to come and assist us because things are so rough now. Maybe the government can help us financially and otherwise. We will appreciate it.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
