A pre-dawn fire today destroyed goods and property worth millions of naira at 57 Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The blaze, which broke out around 3 a.m. in the densely populated area, gutted several rooms and shops within a large compound.
The cause of the fire had not been established as of press time.
When newsmen visited the scene around 8 a.m., flames were still visible, with state fire service personnel working to bring the situation under control.
Access to parts of the building proved challenging for firefighters.
In total, about seven large shops and eight rooms were consumed by the inferno, including a liquor warehouse that lost over 50 crates of beer.
The compound—split into two sections with approximately 35 rooms—was spared from further destruction following the deployment of additional fire trucks and personnel.
The fire was eventually contained after about four hours, though smoke continued to billow from parts of the building.
Several business owners counted heavy losses.
One shop owner, Wisdom Jack, who sells ice block machines, said all his equipment—including machines belonging to companies—were destroyed.
“I have nobody to run to,” he lamented.
Another affected trader, Chigozie, said he lost two buttonhole machines, two weaving machines, three industrial machines, and over ₦1 million in cash stored in his shop.
“I couldn’t save anything, but I believe God will make a way,” he said.
Police operatives from the Azikiwe Division were deployed to prevent looting and safeguard salvaged items.
The Rivers State Police Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would provide details after receiving a briefing from the Divisional Police Officer, but no update had been given at the time of filing this report.