A major fire outbreak has been reported in Opolo area of Yenagoa, near the Rainoil Limited filling station, destroying several shops and properties.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, threw residents into panic as the raging inferno rapidly spread across the affected section of the community. Eyewitnesses said the fire started at about dawn, engulfing makeshift structures and business premises before emergency responders could arrive at the scene.
Traders and shop owners were seen making frantic efforts to salvage goods, while others watched helplessly as their means of livelihood went up in flames. The fire reportedly displaced some families living close to the affected shops.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire had not been ascertained. However, residents called for urgent intervention by the Bayelsa State Fire Service to prevent further destruction, especially given the proximity of the incident to a fuel station.
No casualty has been officially confirmed, but properties worth millions of naira are feared lost.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
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