Federal Fire Service (FFS) responded swiftly to contain a fire outbreak and save properties worth millions of Naira from being consumed by fire in Rumuepirikom, hometown of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.  

The fire incident that occurred on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, along the Wimpey-Elioparanwo Link Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State was brought under control by personnel of the Federal Fire Service.

The Wimpey-Elioparanwo Link Road connects Gov. Wike’s community, Rumuepirikom to Elioparanwo on the Ada George axis and several other communities.

It was unclear as at the time of this report why the Rivers State Fire Service could not respond to the emergency.

One of the victims, who identified himself as Meshack Chukwu, said that he was at his place of work when he got a call informing him of the fire, regretting that before he could get home all his belongings had been burnt by fire except a rosary.

According to some eyewitnesses, who preferred to be anonymous, the fire started as a result of electrical surge from one of the rooms in the compound where it was suspected that some appliances were left on before public power was restored.

Speaking at the site of the incident, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Ndubuisi Okere reiterated the need for residents of the State to exercise caution and be extra careful in their use of electrical appliances both at home and offices by ensuring that all electrical gadgets and sockets are always put off before they leave their home or offices to forestall any form of fire outbreak.

Thanking God that there was no life lost in the incident, the Special Duties Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Federal Fire Fighters, who promptly responded to the distress call and swiftly helped to put out the fire.

Also speaking at the scene, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, George Ariolu, described the event as “unfortunate”, advocated for the sensitization of residents of the State by the State Ministry of Information and Communications, and other relevant bodies so as to avert future fire incidents.