The Rivers state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has bemoaned the deaths and injuries caused by the inferno that occurred at the Bonny-Bille-Nembe jetty in the old Port Harcourt township axis of the state on Monday.
Governor Wike said he is deeply saddened to learn of the casualties and extensive damage to properties caused by the unfortunate incident.
“On behalf of the Government of Rivers state, I would like to offer my sincere prayers for the victims of the fire incident and extend my deepest condolences to their families. I would also like to sincerely pray for early recovery of those who were injured.”
The governor urged the Rivers state Police Command and other relevant security agencies to investigate and unravel the exact cause of this catastrophe.
Port Harcourt Spectator reports that over ten persons including infants and pregnant women were burnt at the jetty during the early hours of Monday as a market boat reportedly went into flames.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Onowu has hinted that all shanties around the jetty would be demolished within two weeks.
Onowu stated this when he visited the scene of the fire incident yesterday.
It was gathered that the fire was worsened by the activities of illegal bunkerers who were offloading their products that early morning when the incident occurred.
