Rita Daniel
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has extended heartfelt condolences to the victims of a devastating fire that occurred early on Friday, October 3, 2025, along Lower Erejuwa Road in Warri. The inferno resulted in the destruction of goods and properties valued at several millions of naira across two buildings.
A delegation led by Chief Hon Dr. Ambassador Michael Ezeh, a member of the Delta State Peace Building and Advisory Council, delivered the governor’s message during an assessment visit to the disaster site on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Ezeh, a former Executive Assistant on Community Development under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, acknowledged the considerable extent of the damage caused by the fire.
During the visit, Ezeh expressed deep sympathy for the victims and encouraged them to find the strength to overcome their losses. Fortunately, he noted that there were no reported casualties from the incident. He assured the victims that he would communicate his assessment and request for assistance directly to Governor Oborevwori for consideration.
Reflecting on a similar incident that took place at 14 Lower Erejuwa Road in 2019, Ezeh recalled that former Governor Okowa had provided twenty million naira to assist the affected individuals. He expressed optimism that Governor Oborevwori, known for his compassionate leadership, would also respond generously to the current plight of the victims.
Charles Okorie, Chairman of the Lower Erejuwa Road Motor Spare Parts Traders Association II, shared a harrowing account of the fire, condemning the Delta State Fire Station in Warri for its inadequate response. He lamented the loss of over three hundred million naira in the fire and called on the Delta State Government, the Warri South Local Government Council, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to offer support to those affected.
Victim Elder Daniel Okeke also spoke during the visit, sharing that he had lost his livelihood in the blaze. He expressed distress over the additional challenges posed by looters who took advantage of the chaos to steal both burnt and unburnt goods before he could reach the scene.
Another victim, Mrs. Tega Isaac, a tenant in one of the affected buildings, tearfully recounted how her family had been rendered homeless. “We couldn’t salvage any of our belongings. Our only concern was the safety of our lives,” she explained, making a heartfelt plea to Governor Oborevwori for assistance.
Nze Francis Onuora, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Non-Indigenes Affairs and a member of the visiting committee, also expressed sympathy for the victims. He urged traders and tenants to be vigilant about their electrical appliances and to always ensure they are switched off when not in use.
The delegation included other Delta State government appointees, such as Hon. Nnaeneka Ndulue, Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization, Sunny Okeke, Special Assistant on Non-Indigenous Traders, Emmanuel Nzelu, Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs, and Mrs. Adeniyi Dolapo, also a Special Assistant on Non-Indigenes Affairs.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, there is hope that the state government will act swiftly to provide the necessary support to help the victims rebuild their lives. The event underscores the critical need for effective fire safety measures and community vigilance to prevent future disasters.
