Tragedy struck at the popular Rumuomasi Morning Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday night as a devastating fire razed several shops, destroying goods and properties estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of naira.
The fire, which reportedly started between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, erupted shortly after electricity was restored to the area, sparking chaos and anguish among traders. Many of the victims, who had closed their shops for the day, returned to find their livelihoods reduced to ashes.
When Niger Delta Herald Metro visited the scene late Tuesday night, dozens of traders were seen in shock and despair, some crying openly as they helplessly watched their goods burn.
Eyewitnesses and victims said the inferno spread rapidly through the densely packed market stalls, worsened by the flammable nature of some of the goods sold in the market, including fabrics, cosmetics, and hair products.
Despite the swift response of firefighters from the Federal and Rivers State fire services and emergency units from nearby oil companies, their efforts to extinguish the flames were initially hindered by difficulty in accessing the core area of the market due to congestion and poor access routes. However, the fire was eventually brought under control late in the night.
Security personnel, including policemen, were also deployed to the scene to prevent looting and maintain order, as crowds of onlookers gathered around the charred remains of what used to be a vibrant trading hub.
One of the most affected traders, Mr. Anthony Chikere, a former chairman of the Rumuomasi Morning Market Traders’ Association, expressed sorrow over the magnitude of his loss. Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday afternoon, Chikere revealed that his shop was stocked with high-value materials and was completely gutted by the fire.
“I was at home when I received several calls about the incident,” he narrated. “We had closed for the day around 6:45 pm. Not long after, people started calling me that the market was on fire. By the time I got here, everything was gone. My shop and that of a lady selling weavon products were completely destroyed.”
Chikere, who deals in wholesale textile materials such as lace, Damat, Senator, and satin fabrics, lamented that he lost over N100 million worth of goods, including machines used for on-the-spot tailoring.
He called on the Rivers State Government to come to the aid of affected traders, many of whom rely solely on their daily earnings to survive.
“We have lost everything. The government should please assist us. This is a very painful experience for everyone,” he pleaded.
The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical surge, but authorities have yet to confirm the exact source of ignition. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and assess the full extent of the damage.
The incident has reignited concerns over fire safety in crowded markets and the urgent need for functional fire hydrants, proper electrical installations, and emergency access routes in public markets across the state.
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