…victims lament loss of goods, cash, worth N500m
Cries, wailing, and lamentations were rife, following the outbreak of fire at the popular Rumuomasi morning market otherwise known as “ahia wokpu” by the natives.
The fire incident which gutted part of the market, affected mainly lockup shops, destroyed goods and cash worth about N500 million, occurred at about 8pm on Tuesday, June 10th, when traders had closed for the day’s business and left for their various homes.
Nobody could ascertain the exact cause of the fire as at the time of filing this report. But the only account flagged as the major cause of the fire incident was the supply of electricity which suddenly sparked off light that burst into flame of fire in one of the shops, and quickly spread to other adjoined shops.
However, shouts of “Fire! Fire!” by passersby attracted the attention of others, including some of the traders who live within the community as they rushed to the scene to assist in extinguishing the fire.
Victims who reside afar were informed about the inferno by their relatives, and friends via phone calls.
Some of the victims who were able to rush down to the scene broke down in tears, lamenting their misfortunes as they saw their shops in flame.
It was learnt that in the circumstances, hoodlums and area boys had a field day, helping themselves as they looted few of the salvaged items.
Meanwhile, the timely arrival and intervention of the nearby SPDC Fire Service did not prevent the raging conflagration from completely razing down the entire shops, but their good efforts helped so much in stopping the fire from going beyond, and as well getting to the adjacent mini-gas plant.
Lamenting the unexpected sad and unfortunate situation that befell him and others, a victim, Mr. Anthony Chikere, who deals on all kinds of bale fabric materials, explained: “I lost everything to the fire after I’ve closed for business and left to my house the fateful night.
“It was while I was in my house that I was called and informed about what was happening, and before I could rush down to the area, everything had gone up in flame”, adding that before then, he had instructed his callers to break his shop and start bringing out his goods, but the heat of the fire was too unbearable and couldn’t allow them.
Mr. Chikere, who was the former Chairman of the Rumuomasi Morning Market, expressed deep sadness and unhappiness over his sudden calamity. “I feel bad, and up till now, I’m confused. It was an ugly situation”, he cried, shaking his head in utter disbelieve.
Chikere thanked the Sole Administrator of Obio /Akpor Local Government Area, who he said upon hearing of the fire outbreak that night, immediately rushed to the scene with his entourage to see and access things himself, and as well sympathized with the victims.
“That shows he has us at heart, because not everybody can do what he did. I’m happy and appreciate him for that”, he said.
The ex-market Chairman also thanked the ward 8 (Rumuomasi), Obio/ Akpor PDP Leader, Mr. Theophilus Owhor who came very early the following day to see the burnt market, and consoled them. “That also shows he’s a good man and knows what he’s doing. We are strengthened and encouraged by his action”, he stressed.
According to him, since Leader Theophilus Owhor is living within the community, they the victims of the fire incident will meet to see him on the way forward either to take them to the Sole Administrator or send a message to him through him.
Another victim, a young lady who declined to disclose her name, told newsmen that the ugly occurrence, describing it a harrowing experience.
She bemoaned losing her goods and all the cash sold throughout the Salah holidays, regretting not going to deposit them in the bank.
“Procrastination made me not to have gone and deposit my sales proceeds in the bank that fateful day. I really regret it. It is a sad commentary, a huge loss and a lesson to me”, she said sadly, adding that she has accepted the situation with great equanimity.
