A devastating fire swept through parts of Boundary Market in Aluu community, Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, causing destruction and losses estimated at over sixty million naira.

The blaze, which started between 12:30 and 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, engulfed several shops near the foam and garri sections of the market.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as people, including boundary police, tried to extinguish the flames but were hindered by a lack of water in nearby compounds. Moments later, a massive explosion worsened the situation.

Victims of the fire, including shop owners, expressed their anguish. One shop owner revealed tearfully that his store contained goods worth six million naira.

“I was awakened by the sound of people shouting and screaming. By the time I got outside, the fire was already spreading,” said Charles Ebere.

Another foam shop owner across the street also suffered losses, as he had stored some of his merchandise in the affected area.

The fire’s timing was especially devastating, as some shop owners had received new stock just a day earlier.

However, sources suggested that the fire might have started in a shop selling native items, with preliminary findings ruling out electrical issues due to the absence of power at the time.