A fire outbreak that occurred in the early hours of Friday has razed goods and property worth millions of naira in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident happened Friday morning at 57 Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Though the cause of the inferno is yet to be ascertained, residents told newsmen the fire started at about 3am while many tenants were asleep and shop owners had left after the business of the day.
It was learned that the fire, which raged until 6 am, burnt down several rooms and shops within the large compound.
Firefighters tried to stop the fire, although it was difficult to assess some parts of the buildings.
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However, to prevent further escalation, more fire trucks were deployed with backup personnel and the spirited efforts paid off as the fire was eventually extinguished after about four hours.
Mr Wisdom Jack, owner of one of the affected shops, said he deals in ice block machines.
He estimated that he lost materials and goods running into millions, wondering how he would cope with the loss.
He said: “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.”
Another shop owner, who gave his name as Chikezie, said he was still in bed when he got the call about the development, adding that he could not save anything from his shop.
He said: “I have two button hole machines, two weaving machines and three industrial machines and cash of over N1million that I kept in my shop too, I lost all. But I know my God will make a way for me.”
The Divisional Police Officer of Azikiwe Police Division and his personnel were on ground to prevent hoodlums from carting away property, while they were able to assist some persons to relocate from their apartments.
Police authorities in the state are yet to react to the incident, as the spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, did not reply to messages sent to her.
