According to eyewitness report, the fire which started around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday night, was allegedly caused by workers from a nearby chemical company mixing chemicals.

One of the shop owners affected by the fire, Uchenna James, lamented the extensive damage the inferno had on his property and others in the vicinity.

The residents explained that despite efforts to contain the blaze, fire fighters reportedly struggled to control the situation and eventually left the scene hastily with the explanation that the fire outbreak was beyond their control.

This incident reiterates concerns raised by residents, as highlighted in a recent report by Today FM's Olawale Sanusi, regarding the lack of fire service units in parts of Rivers State.