By Deborah Nnamdi
A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, August 15, 2025, at 57 Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, reducing a residential building to ashes, displacing dozens of residents, and destroying property worth millions of naira.
The blaze, which reportedly began around 3 a.m., caught many occupants off guard while they were asleep, leading to a chaotic scramble for safety.
Mr. Wisdom Jack, a shop owner dealing in ice block machines, said he lost equipment valued at over N10 million.
“Both my ice block machines and those entrusted to me by companies were destroyed. I don’t have anyone to turn to,” he said, visibly distressed.
Another affected trader, Mr. Chigozie, estimated his losses to include two buttonhole machines, two weaving machines, three industrial machines, and over N1 million in cash.
“I lost everything I had in that shop,” he said. “But I believe God will make a way.”
The Rivers State Fire Service responded swiftly, deploying five fire trucks to the scene. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control before they could consume a nearby liquor warehouse. Nonetheless, the warehouse reportedly lost over 50 crates of beer to the fire.
Security was also quickly reinforced as the Divisional Police Officer of Azikiwe Division and his team arrived to maintain order and prevent looting of salvaged items.
Although no casualties have been reported, the damage was extensive. Preliminary assessments indicate that about seven large shops and eight rooms were destroyed. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue.
With livelihoods lost and homes destroyed, victims are urgently appealing for support and relief to help them recover and rebuild.
