Photo: The burnt furniture shop
By Deborah Nnamdi
A massive fire outbreak in the early hours of Friday ravaged properties and goods valued at millions of naira in the Mile 4, Rumueme area of Obio Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The inferno, which reportedly began around 1:00 a.m. in a furniture shop, quickly spread to adjoining residential buildings, forcing occupants to flee their homes in panic.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scene as chaotic.
“We just heard people screaming. Before we could do anything, the flames intensified. Gas cylinders began exploding, making the fire worse,” the witness said.
“The furniture shop was completely destroyed—nothing could be salvaged. The house behind it was also badly affected. Some residents managed to grab a few belongings before the fire spread further.”
Another resident, identified as Justus, said that private fire service personnel contacted by a resident of the area, alongside local residents, managed to contain the fire before it caused further destruction. He emphasized that the state Fire service did not respond to the emergency.
“The fire was overwhelming, and people were in shock. Thankfully, a private fire service was contacted by a neighbor, and with help from good Samaritans, we were able to bring it under control,” he stated.
Confirming the incident, the Acting State Comptroller of the Federal Fire Service, Rivers Command, ACF Hawa Kulu Weli, disclosed that the state fire service did not respond due to ongoing maintenance.
“Yes, there was a fire outbreak around that time, but the state fire service is currently undergoing maintenance. I can confirm that we did not respond,” she said.
Authorities are yet to release an official estimate of the damage, but affected residents say losses run into tens of millions of naira.
