A major fire outbreak in the early hours of Friday devastated several businesses and residential spaces at 57 Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The fire, which reportedly started around 3:00 a.m., tore through a densely populated residential compound, reducing goods and property worth millions of naira to ashes. As of 8:00 a.m., when our reporter arrived at the scene, the flames were still active, with parts of the building continuing to burn.
Several rooms and shops within the compound were affected. Firefighters from the state fire service were present and working to control the blaze, although their efforts were hindered by poor access to some areas of the building.
According to witnesses, at least seven large shops and eight rooms were completely destroyed. Among the losses was a liquor warehouse that reportedly lost over fifty crates of beer.
The affected compound is divided into two main sections and houses approximately 35 rooms. Additional fire trucks and emergency personnel were eventually deployed, preventing the fire from spreading further. After about four hours of intense firefighting, the blaze was finally brought under control, though plumes of smoke remained visible.
One of the victims, Wisdom Jack, who operates an ice block business, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his machines and materials, which he said were valued in the millions. “Everything is gone—the machines I own and even the ones given to me by companies to mold ice blocks. I’m left with nothing and no one to turn to,” he lamented.
Another shop owner, identified simply as Chigozie, said he was asleep when the fire started and was unable to save any of his belongings. “By the time I arrived, it was too late. I lost two buttonhole machines, two weaving machines, three industrial machines, and over a million naira in cash that I kept in the shop. Still, I believe God will make a way,” he said.
Police officers from the Azikiwe Division were also at the location to maintain order, safeguard salvaged goods, and prevent any looting.