ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Goods and properties estimated at about N70 million, including several international passports, have been destroyed following a fire incident that occurred at No. 2C, Aba Road, opposite Penco Plaza in Umuahia, Abia State, on Thursday night.
While the cause of the fire outbreak remains undetermined, preliminary investigations suggest a potential spark from a faulty electrical wall socket in one of the upstairs shops.
The inferno also engulfed numerous international mails containing passports.
Rev Temple Uzodinma, one of the victims, recounted receiving a distress call around 7 pm on Thursday, prompting him to contact the Abia State Fire Service.
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Unfortunately, the fire had already spread to other shops and corporate offices by the time firefighters arrived, although they managed to prevent further escalation.
Expressing the devastating impact on the victims, Uzodinma appealed for assistance from the Abia State Government and other well-meaning individuals.
The loss included cash, electronic appliances, sewing machines, rolls of clothes, and international mails.
Wisdom, an employee of United Parcel Service (UPS), lamenting told Daily Post that the destruction of parcels containing international passports and important documents, foreseeing potential disruptions to travel plans for the affected individuals.
Despite ongoing campaigns by the Federal Fire Service and Abia State Ministry of Environment warning residents about the dangers of fire disasters, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures to mitigate such losses in the future.