National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Traders at the Ikom main market in Cross River State have continued to count their losses after Tuesday early morning inferno destroyed about 40 shops, and properties worth several millions.
According to eye witnesses, the inferno which started at about 2am on Tuesday was due to a power surge from the public power supply and could not be contained in spite of efforts by shop owners.
The state fire service station in Ikom, contacted during the inferno was not well equipped to combat the large combustion.
The Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku who visited the scene, expressed shock at the level of destruction.
According to Inaku, efforts would be made by the state government to cushion the effects of the damages, urging victims to be calm.
Victims took turn to narrate their ordeal. Augustine Chinedu, one of the traders whose shop got burnt said he lost all his goods to the tune of several millions of Naira and pleaded for government’s intervention to restart his life and business.
Another victim, Miss Agbor Okey, a fashion designer said the incident has put her and
the family in a difficult position as her shop was their only source
of livelihood.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Ikom Main Market Traders Union, Mr. Caleb Agwu called on government agencies, non-governmental organiations and philanthropic individuals and organisations to help in cushioning the effect of the disaster.
