Victims of the recent fire outbreak that destroyed a petroleum filling station in Nkwoegwu Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, have appealed to the state government for assistance after estimating their losses at about N140 million.

Speaking on Wednesday, the owner of the filling station, Mr. Chinonso Ahamefula, said the fire broke out at about 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, while fuel was being offloaded from a tanker.

According to him, the fire spread rapidly despite frantic efforts by workers to put it out using fire extinguishers, water and sand.

He explained that the tanker suddenly caught fire without any warning.

“Within 10 minutes, there was fire coming from under the truck.

“The Abia State Fire Service arrived promptly and worked for over six to seven hours to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby shops and buildings. Members of the community also joined in the effort.

“The fire service did their best. If not for their intervention, this place would have been completely destroyed.

“We also thank the community for their support. They tried everything, but couldn’t stop the fire,” he said.

Ahamefula said the inferno destroyed the station’s fuel pumps, solar power system and other facilities, while the tanker was completely burnt.

He added that nearby shops were also affected, including a provision store where goods and a refrigerator were destroyed, bringing the estimated total loss to about N140 million.

“Since the incident, the station has been unable to operate. I’m overwhelmed by calls and requests from affected shop owners and do not know where to begin rebuilding.

“I’m pleading with our governor to come and assist me. The loss is huge. I don’t know where to start life again. I know he’s a listening governor with a human heart. I’m begging him to help so this place can function again,” he said.

He noted that the filling station is the only one serving the community, adding that its closure is already affecting residents and businesses in the area.

Another victim, Mrs. Oluchi Nwosu, said the fire also destroyed her family's home and shop, leaving them without shelter.

“First of all, I thank God that no life was lost. That is the most important thing, but we don’t have anything left. I’m pleading with the government and all concerned to help us.

“Many things were destroyed. Nothing was salvaged from the fire. Our houses, our shops and the filling station were all lost.

“I’m begging the government to come to our aid. We need help to rebuild. Please also assist my brother who manages the filling station. He wasn’t here when it happened, and it was not intentional. It was an accident,” she said.

Responding, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, said the prompt intervention of the Abia State Fire Service prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.

He disclosed that the fire service received the emergency call at 6:35 p.m. on June 14 and arrived at the scene 15 minutes later.

“On June 14 at 6:35 p.m., the Abia State Fire Service received a report that AkaGod Filling Station was on fire. Personnel arrived by 6:50 p.m. to find a tanker offloading 45,000 litres of petrol engulfed in flames, with nearby buildings at risk.

“Firefighters contained the blaze to the station and tanker, preventing it from spreading to a hospital, shops and other buildings. Additional trucks were deployed from Aba, and the Federal Fire Service assisted. No casualties were recorded,” he said.

Alajemba, who also heads the state's Fire and Emergency Services, said the successful response reflected the investments made by Governor Alex Otti's administration in strengthening emergency services over the past two years.

He encouraged residents to contact the fire service through 09032858657 or the state's medical emergency line on 0813356900 during emergencies, adding that certified fire extinguishers can help contain fires before they escalate.

On the request for government assistance to rebuild the damaged filling station, Alajemba said Governor Alex Otti is a listening leader who follows due process and would give the appeal the necessary consideration.