Over 12 shops have been reported to have gutted by fire, destroying properties worth millions of naira in Ugep main market, Yakurr LGA, Cross River Central Senatorial District, south south region of Nigeria.
The cause of the incident which is said to have occurred Saturday’s night was yet to be ascertained.
As reported by the CrossRiverWatch Newspaper, the member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Egbona, sympathized with the victims.
In a statement, Egbona described the inferno which no life was lost as “destabilizing, confused and dumbfounded”
He said even though there is no authentic information on the cause of the fire, that he could guess that the fortunes of hundreds of families have been buried in the rubble.
He was reported to have said that “the fire incident, no matter what or who caused it, is a great setback to the traders and the economy of Ugep people and by extension to this federal constituency.
The inform source said that he felt the pains of the victims and wish to inform them that he was with them at this period of their travail.
In the statement Egbona was quoted as saying “Let me address the traders directly. As your representative, I will do everything within my power to bring succor to you.
Egbona promised the victims that he will not allow the government to rest until they responded and found a healing balm for them.
In another statement made available to the source, the member-elect for Yakurr 1 State Constituency, Hon. Cyril Omini said the recurrent incident of fire outbreaks in the town requires that they take proactive measures to forestall future occurrences.
However, he was reported to have said that he looks forward to constituting a thirteen (13) Man Fact-finding Committee to work with the fire service to establish the extent of the damage done and recommend measures to assist the petty traders and shop owners.
He went on to pledge to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure everyone affected is provided with necessary support and assistance.
Omini used the occasion to call on all well-meaning citizens to rally around and support the victims, as they begin the process of rebuilding their livelihoods.
In his words, he said “I pray that God brings succor to those affected and saves us from similar future incidents. Once again, my heart goes out to all the victims and their families at this difficult time.