millions of naira worth of goods were destroyed late Tuesday when fire consumed a section of the Eke Market, Amangbala community, in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Although the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, many shops were reportedly razed.
As the fire raged, it was gathered that efforts by traders to salvage their goods were abortive, the state fire service station in the Afikpo council area could not do anything because its equipment malfunctioned.
However, youths in the area reportedly mobilised and stopped the fire from spreading.
The Chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Oby Oko-Enyim, visited the scene of the incident on Wednesday.
While sympathising with the victims, she said, “So far there is life, there is hope. Don’t lose hope or give up because of this. You shall all overcome this setback.”
The council boss was taken round the rubble by the Chairman of the Afikpo Market Traders Association, Mr Johnson Inya Oka, who sought the support of the state government for the victims.
