The ongoing indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has taken its toll on a Fruit and Vegetable Market in Port Harcourt.
The market popularly called fruits garden at Kaduna Street, D-Line, Port Harcourt was gutted by fire late Thursday which consumed more than half of the lock-up shops.
Eyewitnesses say the State Fire Service close to the scene of the incident failed to respond to distress calls put across to them.
The eyewitness said the Fire Service officials who later arrived the scene after the incident were attacked by a mob who acted in frustration.
Speaking with newsmen, a man who identified himself as the Market Leader, Sir Jay said the fire started at about 7pm.
He said the Fire Service when contacted, said they were on strike.
“We started calling fire service but they refused to respond because of the strike. We even went to the Service office but they were just looking at us.
“We also reached out to the Agip Fire service too but no response. So, myself and some youths had to attack the Fire from behind to stop it from spreading.”
In the meantime, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has expressed sadness over the inferno at the Fruit and Vegetable Market, Port Harcourt, declaring that the State Government will come to the aid of the affected traders.
Governor Wike who led some members of the State Executive Council and leaders of the state for immediate on the spot assessment described the inferno as a great loss to the state, saying that the State Government will rebuild the market in no distant time.
“Government will do what it is supposed to do to ensure that the traders continue to earn a living. It is unfortunate that this has happened.
“We will look at the immediate and remote causes and we shall also come to the aid of those who are affected by the inferno. Let me assure you that we will do what we can to resolve it”, he said.
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