Fire ravages market in Rivers

Fire on New Year’s day destroyed five houses near the Ikoku spare parts market in Port Harcourt, capital of Nigeria’s oil producing state of Rivers.

According to witnesses, the fire started about 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday at the dump site of the market in Gambia Street, Port Harcourt.

The cause of fire is still unknown.

The witnesses said the fire destroyed disused cars and other spare parts at the dump site and later spread to surrounding buildings. Residents and store owners were seen evacuating their goods and belongings from buildings near the raging fire.

Fire fighters from the Agip Oil Company responded to distress call to put out the fire.

Mr Ben Ugwuegbulam, the spokesman for the Rivers Police Command, who confirmed the incident, told NAN that policemen had been sent to the area to ensure security of lives and property.

“The command received a report of the fire incident at Ikoku motor parts market. We have sent our men to ensure that hoodlums do not capitalise on the incident to steal from the stores in the neigbourhood.

“We have also told residents of the area and owners of stores to report to the police any incident of stealing or acts that could lead to breakdown of law and order,’’ he said.

Ugwuebulam said the command was on top of the situation and would ensure that criminals did not cause havoc in the area. He said the command had not received any report of loss of life from the fire scene.