Health
VICTIMS of a devastating fire outbreak in the Banyagi area of Nasarafu Ward, Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, are counting their losses after an inferno destroyed a residential building and shops.
An eye witness, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the fire incident occurred on Sunday at about 2:30 a.m.
Musa said no life was lost in the incident, but several households were displaced, with property worth millions of naira destroyed.
“The fire has displaced numerous families and disrupted the livelihoods of many residents,” he said.
One of the victims, Mrs Leah Etsu-Soko-Madu, who got married seven months ago said she lost all her academic credentials and voter’s card.
“My husband is in Port Harcourt, and I have been here since my last holiday. I appeal to the government and well-meaning individuals to assist us with shelter.
“It has not been easy for us since the incident,” she said.
Another victim, Abdullahi Hussaini, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, under an affiliated programme at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, said he also lost all his belongings, including his academic credentials.
According to him, he escaped with only the boxer shorts he was wearing, while the clothes he currently has on were donated by a sympathiser.
Mrs Fatima Kolo, another victim, said her family lost all their possessions.
Similarly, Mrs Hafsat Mohammed-Haruna, a retired staff member of the Bida Local Government Education Authority, said she lost all her belongings including items she had acquired in preparation for her daughter’s wedding.
She said affected residents escaped with only the clothes they were wearing when the fire broke out.
The victims appealed to the Niger State Government, Bida Local Government Council, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to come to their aid with temporary shelter, clothing and other essential relief materials. (NAN)
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Tags: Bida fire victims