By Harrison Essien
A fire outbreak has destroyed a residential building at No. 10 Nsentip Street, Uyo, leaving a staff member of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, Mr Otobong Edet Akpantem, and his family homeless.
The incident occurred at about 4pm while Mr Akpantem, his wife and other occupants of the building, including three tenants, were away.
Mr Akpantem, a native of Ikot Obio Inyang in Etinan Local Government Area, said the fire razed the entire building, consuming all personal belongings.
He explained that the cause of the fire remains unknown.
“I was still at the office when it happened. Since then, friends, family members and church members have been supporting my wife and me with clothes to go to work. Officials of SEMA and NEMA visited for an inspection, led by the Vice Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council,” he said.
Although no lives were lost, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.
The victim lamented that the incident had left his family without shelter or resources.
“I have lost everything. We are now homeless and have no means of securing another apartment,” he added.
Residents have expressed sympathy and called on the government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist the affected family in rebuilding their lives.
