Traders count losses as early morning fire razes Bayelsa furniture market

Goods worth millions of naira have been destroyed after a major fire swept through the Opolo Furniture Market in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday and razed several shops and business premises in the busy market. However, a petrol filling station located close to the affected area was not touched by the flames.

Residents in the area were thrown into panic as the fire spread quickly across parts of the market.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze started at dawn and first consumed makeshift structures before officials of the Bayelsa State Fire Service arrived to tackle the situation.

Traders and shop owners were seen trying to salvage what they could as thick smoke rose from the scene. The cause of the fire had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Traders and shop owners made desperate attempts to salvage their goods, while others watched as their sources of livelihood were consumed by the flames. The incident also reportedly displaced some families residing near the affected shops.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined. Residents have called on the state government to take urgent preventive measures, particularly in view of the market’s proximity to a fuel station.

No casualties have been confirmed, but losses running into millions of naira are feared.

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