The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, on Tuesday visited the Oro-Owo community in Rumueme Kingdom for an on-the-spot assessment of the level of damage caused by the fire outbreak that occurred on Sunday, 1st February 2026.The visit was aimed at identifying with victims of the unfortunate incident and evaluating the situation firsthand with a view to providing necessary support and preventing future occurrences.
Speaking with newsmen during the visit, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu stated that his primary purpose was not merely to assess the damage but to sympathize and stand in solidarity with the affected families.
The Chairman emphasized that government owes its people a duty of care, especially in times of distress, noting that efforts would be made to support the victims and guide them toward recovery.
He further explained that steps would be taken to work with the community to ascertain the cause of the fire in order to forestall future occurrences. He also advised residents on the need to adhere to standard building codes and healthier living conditions, stressing that poor housing designs and unsafe practices often predispose communities to such disasters.
According to him, Obio/Akpor has evolved into an urban centre and residents must begin to adopt modern safety and housing standards that promote livability.
Hon. Dr. Worlu also disclosed that the Local Government Council is in the process of establishing an Emergency Management System, which he said would become operational before the middle of the year. The system, he noted, would enhance preparedness in terms of manpower, equipment, and crisis management capacity.
While thanking God that no lives were lost in the incident, he assured the victims that the Council would explore ways to ameliorate their suffering and help restore them to stability.
Those present during the visit included Hon. Ohazurume Chukwu, Councillor representing Ward 10 in the 10th Obio/Akpor Legislative Assembly; the Supervisor for Youth, Sports and Culture; the Ward 10 Chairman, Promise Ogwutum Amadi; Prof. Nlerum, former Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology; Hon. Noble Amadi, former CTC Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA; Chief Bob Chukwu; Queenth Akaninwa, and other Ward 10 stakeholders in Rumueme.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor LGA
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
