Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday, August 9, 2024, as a raging fire completely razed a compound on Okwele/Lumumber Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic” as goods and property worth millions of naira went up in flames, reducing the compound to ashes.
The cause of the inferno remains a mystery, but rumours swirl that a cooking gas leakage in one of the apartments may have sparked the disaster.
“I was awoken by screams at around 4 am,” said Ifeanyi, a resident of the street. “We rushed out to see the compound engulfed in flames. It was like a nightmare come true.”
He said the inferno razed eight apartments and the roof of the building, with neighbours unable to contain the blaze.
“It was a helpless situation,” said Ifeanyi, a resident who witnessed the tragedy. “The occupants had to prioritize their lives, fleeing the building with little more than their lives. The fire was too intense, and people could only salvage a few valuables,”
The compound, which housed twelve large stores and ten rooms, was a hub of commercial activity, with store owners dealing in food, clothes, drinks, and provisions.
The fire has left these business owners counting their losses, with many struggling to come to terms with the devastation.
Visiting the scene of the incident, it was observed that the devastating fire had left residents of Okwele/Lumumber Street reeling, wondering how such a tragedy could occur.
Meanwhile, the police and local vigilante groups were on hand to maintain order and prevent looting, as the community began the long process of rebuilding and recovery.