A devastating fire has gutted a multi-million naira palm kernel oil extraction industry located in the Onuebonyi axis of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The blaze also consumed palm kernels worth over two hundred million Naira, both refined and unrefined oil, and a Sienna bus.
Emmanuel Alinchi, the Executive Director of the industry, reported noticing fire and smoke emissions at 12:45 am. Despite alerting the fire service, the entire structure was engulfed before their arrival. Alinchi has appealed to the state government for intervention, stressing that all extraction machines were destroyed in the fire.
Hillary Alinchi, a relative of Emmanuel Alinchi, mentioned that the cause of the fire remains unknown as it occurred at night. He noted that the fire could have spread to other private buildings if not for the timely efforts of the firefighters. Hillary also highlighted that about fifty workers have lost their jobs due to the inferno and called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to invoke the spirit of the People’s Charter of Needs to help resuscitate the industry.
Raphael Ibiam, Director of the State Fire Service, confirmed that his team arrived promptly but faced challenges as the industry was packed with combustible materials. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.
