RismadarVoice Reporters
July 29, 2026
Dozens of families have been rendered homeless after a fire razed about 60 makeshift houses, popularly known as batcher, on Onukwuru Street in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Residents said the incident occurred on Tuesday when a woman was reportedly transferring kerosene into a rubber container while cooking was taking place nearby.
According to eyewitnesses, the highly flammable fuel ignited, causing the fire to spread rapidly through the densely packed makeshift structures.
The inferno destroyed homes and valuable belongings, leaving many residents with nothing to salvage. Victims said they lost cash, household items, personal documents and other possessions in the blaze.
Several affected residents were seen searching through the debris in an effort to recover whatever remained of their property, while others were overwhelmed with emotion as they assessed the extent of their losses.
Although no fatalities were recorded, the fire left dozens of families without shelter and caused extensive property damage.
The victims have appealed to the Rivers State Government for emergency relief materials and other forms of assistance to enable them to rebuild their lives. They also called on individuals, corporate organisations and humanitarian groups to provide support as they recover from the disaster.
