Abia Fire Outbreak Causes N140m Loss, Victims Seek Aid

On June 14, a fire outbreak at a petroleum filling station in Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, resulted in losses estimated at N140 million. The fire started around 6:15 PM while a tanker was offloading fuel and quickly engulfed the station despite efforts by staff to extinguish it.

The Abia State Fire Service arrived promptly at 6:50 PM and worked for six to seven hours to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. Mr.

Chinonso Ahamefula, the station owner, reported that the fire destroyed the station's fuel pumps, solar system, and adjacent shops, leaving him unable to operate. Victims, including Mr.

Oluchi Nwosu, whose family was rendered homeless, pleaded for assistance from Governor Alex Otti, emphasizing the devastating impact of the fire on their lives. Mr.

Chukwuneny Alajemba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, confirmed no casualties were recorded and urged residents to contact emergency services during such incidents.