Fire outbreak in Rivers destroys shops, building

A street in Port Harcourt, Rivers state was set ablaze in the early hours of Friday, destroying properties worth millions of Naira.

Although the cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, PUNCH reports that seven large shops and eight rooms were destroyed.

Reporters also stated that the fire started around 3am and was still burning as at 8am. The state fire services were also present at the scene, making efforts to put out the fire.

An trader whose shop was affected by the fire gave his report, lamenting about the loss of his properties.

“Both the ice block machines, even the ones companies gave me to mould, have been destroyed as you can see. I don’t have anybody to run to,” he said.

Another shop owner noted that he got to the scene the moment he was alerted about the outbreak. However, he could not salvage any of his goods.

“By the time I went to the scene, I was not able to salvage any of my goods and belongings. I have two button hole machines, two weaving machines and three industrial machines and cash of over N1 million that I kept in my shop too, I lost all. But I know my God will make a way for me,” he said.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that command would take the necessary steps to get important details about the incident.