Tragedy hits as fire engulfs over 70 houses in Akwa Ibom state
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Grace Udoh Uyo
The new year became a tragic one for Mkpanak Community of Ibeno Local government area in Akwa Ibom State as the place was set ablaze. Home to the most longest beach in West Africa and and several Oil producing companies including Exxon Mobil.
The area which the fire occurred is commonly referred to as ‘Yoruba Quarters’ and is mainly known for it’s extensive fishing culture and serves as one of the largest suppliers of crayfish to several other states.
The fire started at around 12:11 am earlier today and due to the harmattan, it went insanely wild and uncontrollable, burning for over three hours.
According to residents, the fire emanated from a kitchen where the owner had finished drying her crayfish and swept through several buildings and other kitchens along the shoreline. Over 70 houses and kitchen were lost in the fire including home appliances, expensive fishing gears and crayfish worth of millions were also lost.
This isn’t the first time a fire outbreak had occurred in this location. Around March 2008, a fire outbreak of the same proportion occurred in the same manner as this one.