Fire outbreak hits Ikom main market
(Nigeria) Ni fewer than 40 y shops worth millions of Naira,
have been gutted by fire at the Ikom main market, Akwa Ibom State.
The inferno which started at about two am on Tuesday and was
attributed to power upsurge from the public power supply could not be contained
in spite of frantic efforts by shop owners to put it out.
The state fire service station in Ikom, which was contacted
for intervention could not act due to complains of lack of facilities to combat
the fire.
The director general of the state emergency management
agency, Mr. John Inaku who visited the scene of the incident described the
destruction as serious.
Mr. Inaku who said he was there on a rapid assessment of the
destruction said efforts would be made by the state government to ameliorate
the sufferings of the victims.
According to him the burnt shops required total
rehabilitation and urged the victims to remain calm.
One of the victims, Mr. Augustine Chinedu, who said he lost
virtually all his goods worth millions of naira said it was devastating and
urged government to urgently come to his aid.
Miss Agbor Okey, a fashion designer said the incidents has
put her and the family under trauma as it was the only livelihood of
sustenance.
Kelechi Anayo, a dealer in traveling bags and boxes lamented
that he had lost everything in the shop and wondered what he would do next with
his life.
In a comment, the chairman of Ikom main market traders
union, Mr. Caleb Agwu called on government agencies, NGO’s and philanthropic
individuals and organizations to help in cushioning the effect of the disaster.
Comments
Post a Comment