•Fire outbreak
Goods valued at millions of naira have been destroyed following a major fire outbreak at the popular Opolo Furniture Market in Yenagoa.
The inferno, which erupted in the early hours of today, razed several shops and business premises within the market, reports The Nation.
A petrol filling station located adjacent to the affected area was, however, left untouched.
Residents were thrown into panic as the fire spread rapidly across sections of the market. Eyewitnesses said the blaze began at dawn, engulfing makeshift structures before officials of the Bayelsa State Fire Service arrived at the scene.
Traders and shop owners made desperate attempts to salvage their goods, while others watched as their sources of livelihood were consumed by the flames.
The incident also reportedly displaced some families residing near the affected shops.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined. Residents have called on the state government to take urgent preventive measures, particularly in view of the market’s proximity to a fuel station.
No casualties have been confirmed, but losses running into millions of naira are feared.
