Assets worth millions of naira were lost on Thursday to an early-morning fire outbreak at the popular Opolo market area in Yenagoa metropolis, the Bayelsa State capital.
The fire, which began very close to the Rainoil Limited filling station, destroyed several shops and properties. Many shop owners wept uncontrollably, unable to salvage their goods as the fire raged on.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, threw residents into panic as the raging inferno rapidly spread across some sections of the community.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started at about dawn, engulfing makeshift structures and business premises before emergency responders could arrive at the scene.
Traders and shop owners were seen making frantic efforts to salvage goods, while others watched helplessly as their livelihoods went up in flames. The fire reportedly displaced some families living close to the affected shops.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire had not been ascertained. However, residents called for urgent intervention by the Bayelsa State Fire Service to prevent further destruction, especially given the incident’s proximity to a fuel station.
No casualty has been officially confirmed, but properties worth millions of naira are feared lost.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
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