Following reports of a fire incident at the Rumomasi Morning Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, the Head of Operations, Mr. Ebhodaghe Eric, promptly deployed the NEMA Emergency Response Team for an on-the-spot assessment.
Upon arrival, the team met with a market union executive, Mr. Mike, who guided them to the scene of the incident. Preliminary findings revealed that the fire began around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at K-Lane, triggering panic among traders and nearby residents.
The inferno destroyed several structures, including over 20 shops, with goods worth millions of naira lost to the blaze. However, timely intervention by the Federal Fire Service, Shell Fire Service, and local volunteers helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjacent shops and buildings.
No casualties were recorded, and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. During his visit to the scene, the Administrator of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr. Ndu Walter, assured the public of a thorough investigation to uncover the root cause of the incident.
As a safety measure, the affected section of the market has been cordoned off pending further assessment.
Date: 11/06/2025
