Traders affected by the devastating fire that gutted the popular Eke-Ukwu Market in Okigwe, Imo State, are appealing to the state government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent assistance to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.
The inferno, which broke out late Monday night, destroyed goods worth millions of naira belonging to scores of traders. The cause of the fire has yet to be established.
In response to the incident, the Imo State Government, the State House of Assembly and relevant security agencies have pledged to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent a recurrence.
Several affected traders described the incident as one of the worst disasters to hit the market in recent years, saying many families have lost their only means of livelihood.
One of the victims, identified simply as John, appealed to the state government for financial support to enable traders to recover from the losses.
“We have lost everything. We are appealing to the government and kind-hearted individuals to assist us so we can rebuild our businesses,” he said.
Another trader, Okechukwu, described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the destroyed business was his family’s primary source of income.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, described the fire as an unfortunate disaster with far-reaching economic consequences.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Uwa, the Speaker said Eke-Ukwu Market remains one of the most important commercial centres in Imo State and the South-East, serving thousands of traders, artisans and customers daily.
He noted that beyond commerce, the market plays a vital role in the region’s social and economic life, making the destruction a significant setback for businesses and the local economy.
Olemgbe urged the victims to remain hopeful, assuring them that the state government, in collaboration with the Okigwe Local Government Council and security agencies, would carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
Also speaking after visiting the scene, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, who represents Imo North Senatorial District, sympathised with the affected traders and pledged to support efforts aimed at providing relief and facilitating the recovery of the market.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Imo North, Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, described the incident as a painful tragedy that had wiped out businesses and disrupted livelihoods.
He assured the victims of his support, promising to work towards attracting interventions that would aid the rebuilding of the market.
“Your resilience is our strength, and your restoration is our collective responsibility. Together, we will rebuild a stronger and more prosperous Eke-Ukwu Market,” he said.
As investigations continue, affected traders are urging the government and humanitarian organisations to provide immediate relief, insisting that timely intervention is crucial to helping hundreds of families recover from the devastating losses.
