The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has yet to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak at Rumomasi Morning Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, which destroyed goods and shops on Tuesday.

The agency deployed some of its officials to the market for an on-the-spot assessment after the inferno. It revealed the outcome of its assessment in a statement.

NEMA revealed that the fire which began around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at K-Lane, triggered panic among traders and nearby residents.

“Upon arrival, the team met with a market union executive, Mr. Mike, who guided them to the scene of the incident. Preliminary findings revealed that the fire began around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at K-Lane, triggering panic among traders and nearby residents.

“The inferno destroyed several structures, including over 20 shops, with goods worth millions of naira lost to the blaze. However, timely intervention by the Federal Fire Service, Shell Fire Service, and local volunteers helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjacent shops and buildings,” the statement read in part.

It further noted that no casualties were recorded in the inferno, adding that it has yet to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak.

“No casualties were recorded, and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. During his visit to the scene, the Administrator of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr. Ndu Walter, assured the public of a thorough investigation to uncover the root cause of the incident.”