Get Guardian on GoogleA devastating early morning fire on Friday, July 11, 2025, destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira in Mile 4, Rumueme, in the Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The fire, which started around 1:00 am from a furniture shop, quickly spread to residential houses, forcing residents to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with gas cylinders exploding and intensifying the fire. “We just heard screams, and before anything could be done, the fire grew higher,” one eyewitness said.
The furniture shop and the house behind it were completely razed to the ground, while other residents managed to salvage some of their belongings before the fire spread.
Thanks to the prompt response of concerned individuals and fire service personnel, the fire was eventually put out, preventing further damage.
“The fire service was contacted, and with the help of residents and other well-meaning Nigerians, they were able to put out the fire,” Justus, a resident, noted.
Meanwhile, the Acting State Comptroller, Federal Fire Service (Rivers Command), ACF Hawa Kulu Weli, confirmed the incident but revealed that the state fire service was not operational at the time due to maintenance.
She said, “Yes, there was a fire outbreak around that time, but we turned off the state fire service because we are on maintenance. I can confirm that no response came from us.”
