A devastating fire outbreak in Ikot Ukpong Village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has razed down an entire plaza and destroying properties worth over N100 million.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the disaster, which took place between 3:00 am and 6:00 am on Saturday, 21st December 2024.
The plaza, located in the heart of Ikot Ukpong Village, was a hub of commercial activity, with several shops and businesses operating within its premises.
The fire outbreak has left many business owners and residents in the community counting their losses.
Comrade Ndifreke Afangide, State Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Akwa Ibom State, expressed his concern over the incident, stating that the welfare and safety of the affected community members are of utmost importance.
“In light of this incident and the present economic hardships in Nigeria, there is an urgent need for care and support for the affected families,” he said.
Afangide also commended Engr. Chalse Usua Akpan, Executive Director, Engineering, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom State River Basin Authority, and Eng. Nsikakabasi Ekam, Consultant with Mobil Nigeria, for their prompt response to the incident.
“Their visit to the scene to console the victims is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of the community,” he said.
The CDHR, Akwa Ibom State, has called on the relevant authorities, including the local and state governments, to provide immediate assistance and support to those affected by the fire outbreak.
“We also call on the government and other stakeholders to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents throughout Akwa Ibom State in the future,” Afangide said.
The CDHR, Akwa Ibom State has pledged to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of the affected community members.
The fire outbreak in Ikot Ukpong Village is not an isolated incident. There have been several reports of fire outbreaks in different parts of the country, resulting in significant losses to individuals and businesses.
For instance, a fire outbreak in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State razed down 10 shops and another inferno at the Ikpoba Hill Market in Edo State destroyed goods worth millions of naira.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has cautioned residents against bush burning to prevent fire outbreaks. However, more needs to be done to prevent such incidents and provide support to those affected.
The fire outbreak in Ikot Ukpong Village is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response.
It is essential that communities, governments, and stakeholders work together to prevent such incidents and provide support to those affected.
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