A major fire has ravaged goods worth millions of naira in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. The blaze, which occurred on Cameroun Street near Owerri Road and the Isi Gate Market, affected ten lockup shops filled with cosmetics, foodstuffs including garri, beans, and cereals, among other items.
Reports indicate that while some shop owners managed to salvage their goods, others lost theirs to criminals posing as helpers. These hoodlums exploited the situation, claiming to assist the shop owners in saving their property.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
In a telephone interview, Abia State Fire Service Controller/Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Arua Nnanna, confirmed the incident. He expressed regret that the damage was exacerbated by the shop owners’ delay in contacting the fire service. Upon arrival, the fire service contained the blaze to the affected block, preventing it from spreading to adjacent shops and buildings.
Nnanna noted that the agency managed to protect property valued at over ₦100 million, which was already under threat when they arrived. He urged residents to be vigilant and keep fire extinguishers in their shops and homes, emphasizing that the fire might have been contained more effectively had the shop owners been better prepared.
(allnews.ng)
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