A late-night inferno swept through the popular Rumuomasi Morning Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday, destroying goods and property estimated at hundreds of millions of naira.
Traders arrived at the scene in disbelief, many reduced to tears as they watched years of investment reduced to ashes. While some attempted to salvage what they could, most stood helplessly as the fire spread rapidly through rows of shops.
Firefighters from federal and state services, assisted by private firms, responded to the emergency but struggled to access the core of the blaze due to the market’s layout. They eventually brought the fire under control. Police officers maintained order at the scene to prevent looting.
According to Punch Report, One of the major victims, Anthony Chikere, a former chairman of the market and a dealer in wholesale fabrics, said he lost goods worth over ₦100 million.
“We left the market around 6:30 p.m. and were barely home when I started receiving calls. By the time we got here, it was too late,” he said. “I lost all my stock, including recently delivered bale materials. I may have lost close to ₦180 million.”
Chikere appealed to the state government for financial assistance to help traders recover.
Also affected was Mrs. Nkiru Olisemeka, a widow and foodstuff seller supporting four children in university. She estimated her loss at ₦50 million, including ₦500,000 in cash she was meant to pay a supplier.
“I don’t know where to begin,” she said through tears. “This is my only means of survival.”
The cause of the fire remains unclear, though some eyewitnesses linked it to a power surge after electricity was restored.
Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause. “Our officers responded swiftly, and the fire has been extinguished. The investigation is ongoing,” she said.
Traders are now calling on the government for emergency relief to help rebuild their lives and businesses.
