Goods including sawing machines and power generating sets worth millions of naira were destroyed in a midnight fire at the popular Oyigbo Timber Market in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 2am on Thursday, following an illegal electric connection, which ignited fire when public power supply was restored in the area.
Most of the affected traders lamented that everything they have struggled to achieve for many years were lost to the inferno.
One of the victims who does not want to be mentioned said she heard a deafening sound followed by the fire and a thick black smoke billowing into the atmosphere, adding that the market was the only means of survival for many of them and their families.
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“It was when they brought light because I live close to the marker. I heard a loud sound and the next thing was fire and it was spreading fast,” she said.
While fighting back tears, she said: “A lot of engines, sawing machines, planning machines and generators were destroyed. None of those machines is less than N3 million. They were all damaged and we are left with nothing. This is the only thing I do to train my children in school.”
Another victim, identified as Okereke, said he has been traumatised since the incident, saying he doesn’t know where to start and appealed for government’s assistance.
“Please let the government come to our aid because we don’t know what to do again. All our engines have been burnt. We don’t know where to start from. Please let the Oyigbo Local Government Authority and the state government come and help us start our lives again,” he said.
However, a resident who gave his name as Chuks told newsmen that the area affected was the sawmill section housing different machines.
According to him, “Over 20 machines were burnt to ashes. It was because of a faulty electric connection. So, when light was restored, it resulted in a huge spark and fire started spreading.”
When contacted, spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she will find out and get back to our correspondent.
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