According to eyewitnesses, the fire started between 7:30 pm and 8 pm on Tuesday, immediately after power was restored. One of the affected traders, Mr. Anthony Chikere, a former Chairman of the Rumuomasi Morning Market, estimated his loss at over N100 million. Chikere, who deals in wholesale materials, including laces, appealed to the state government to assist the victims
Another victim, Mrs. Nkiru Olisemeka, a widow and mother of four, traded in foodstuffs and lost goods worth about N50 million, including cash. She wondered how she would cater for her children, who are in the university, without her means of livelihood. “I trade on foodstuffs, rice, beans, oil, tomatoes… I’m a widow with four children in the university. Next month will be two years since I lost my husband. This is what I use to survive and sponsor them. All my goods, everything, was burnt down,” she said tearfully
The fire was eventually put out by federal and state firefighters, as well as those from oil firms. Policemen kept vigil at the scene to prevent looting. The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Grange-Koko, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation was ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire
The affected traders are calling on the government to assist them in their time of need. Chikere appealed to the state government to provide financial assistance to help them recover from the loss. The incident has left many traders in distress, and the government’s intervention is eagerly awaited
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