Following a fire incident at the oil mill market along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, goods and property valued in the millions of naira were lost, according to a report from the Punch.
Even though the source of the fire was not discovered right away, it was discovered that it began early on Saturday when the traders were still at home.
The Rumuokwurusi hamlet in the state's Obio/Akpor Local Government Area hosts the well-known midweek oil mill market.
On Wednesdays, the market draws vendors who bring their wares from neighboring states.
The fire, which began at around 6:45 am, burned for many hours, according to an eyewitness, until firemen came to put it out.
Several of the shopkeepers tallied their losses as they bemoaned the effect the blaze would have on their enterprises and pleaded with Governor Nyesom Wike to help them.
The caller informed the middle-aged woman, who just provided her name as Ebere, that she was still asleep when her phone called.
She remarked, "I was still in bed this morning when I got the call that the market was on fire. All of my possessions and those of others had been destroyed when I arrived. We unloaded a trailer full of charcoal, garri, and yam, all of which burned.
"Please come and assist us, Governor Wike. Because of this fire, we are perishing!
Another victim, who identified herself as a widow, sobbed hysterically while claiming that she had taken out loans to pay for the products in her two businesses, which were now empty.
"I am a widow whose spouse passed away in 2007. I still owe interest on the money I borrowed and utilized for purchases. All of the yam tubers I purchased and both of my stores have burned to the ground. Who will provide a hand to me? How can I return the money I lent?
She fought back tears and continued, "That is what I am thinking right now.
Commenting on the event, Rumuokwrushi, O. C. Wosu, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, stated that the fire's origin was still a mystery but that he was relieved that no one had been hurt.
I received frantic phone calls from many dealers informing me that a portion of the oil mill market was on fire.
I immediately dialed the fire department. As God would have it, the Shell and Total E&P fire services arrived and were able to put out the fire.
"I praise God that no one was hurt. The impacted products included structures valued more than N500,000, according to the merchants. "I appeal on the Rivers State and the local government to come and aid these people," he implored.
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