Fire Destroys Shops, Property in Port Harcourt
A devastating fire outbreak occurred at 57 Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the early hours of Friday, August 15, 2025.
The blaze, which started around 3 am, ravaged several shops and rooms within a large compound, causing significant damage to goods and property worth millions of naira.
About seven large shops and eight rooms were destroyed in the fire, including a liquor warehouse that lost over 50 crates of beer.
The compound, comprising two sections and approximately 35 rooms, narrowly escaped further damage after additional fire trucks and personnel were deployed. The fire was eventually brought under control after a four-hour battle, although smoke was still visible in parts of the building.
Affected shop owners expressed despair over their losses. Wisdom Jack, who deals in ice block machines, estimated his losses to be in the millions of naira. “Both the ice block machines, even the ones companies gave me to mould, have been destroyed,” he lamented. Another shop owner, Chigozie, lost two buttonhole machines, two weaving machines, three industrial machines, and over N1 million in cash. “I don’t have anything left,” he said, adding, “But I know my God will make a way for me.”
The Rivers State Fire Service responded promptly, deploying personnel and fire trucks to battle the flames.
Operatives from the Azikiwe Police Division were also present to prevent looting and protect salvaged property. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, has promised to provide updates once she gets details from the Divisional Police Officer.
