A mysterious fire outbreak in the early hours of Sunday has destroyed a superstore at Shaguolo Roundabout, opposite the Warri Refinery in Ekpan, Delta State, leaving its owner, Mrs. Karister Omiojieahior, hospitalised after reportedly losing her entire business to the inferno.
The fire, which reportedly gutted the store within minutes, destroyed household items, provisions and assorted drinks stocked for wholesale and retail sales.
The cause of the blaze remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.
Although the circumstances surrounding the outbreak have raised concerns, including speculation about possible arson, there was no electricity supply to the premises when the fire started, according to eyewitnesses.
However, the absence of power does not, on its own, establish the cause of the fire or rule out other possible sources.
The affected shops are located around the busy Shaguolo Roundabout, opposite the Warri Refinery, and serve residents and businesses in the Ekpan area.
Speaking to newsmen, Chief Ugochukwu Solomon, whose sister owns the main shop destroyed by the fire, said the incident had left the family devastated.
According to him, Omiojieahior was hospitalised after suffering severe shock upon seeing the business she had built over decades consumed by the fire.
“Mrs. Karister Omiojieahior was hospitalised due to the shock of seeing everything she worked for over decades lost to fire within minutes,” Solomon said.
He expressed concern about how his sister would recover from the devastating loss, saying, “At present, we do not know where she will start from, and our prayer is for God to strengthen her.”
Solomon appealed to the Delta State Government, well-meaning individuals and relevant agencies to assist the victim in rebuilding her business.
“I am hopeful that our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other public-spirited individuals and agencies will come to her aid; otherwise, how is she going to start over?” he asked.
Efforts to speak directly with Omiojieahior were unsuccessful as of press time.
The incident has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of businesses operating in densely populated commercial areas, particularly where adequate fire-prevention and emergency-response measures may be lacking.
The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the financial loss are yet to be officially established.
