By Katherine Abayomi
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has identified with victims of the recent fire outbreak in the Oro-Owo community of Rumueme Kingdom, pledging government support and advocating improved housing safety standards to prevent future disasters.
Dr. Worlu visited the community on Tuesday to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the fire incident which occurred on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, the council chairman said the purpose of his visit was not only to assess the level of destruction but also to sympathise with affected families and reassure them of the local government’s support.
According to him, government has a responsibility to stand by its people in times of distress, stressing that efforts would be made to provide relief and assist victims in their recovery process.
Dr. Worlu disclosed that the council would engage with community leaders and relevant stakeholders to determine the cause of the fire, noting that understanding the root cause was essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.
He advised residents to adhere to approved building standards and adopt safer living practices, explaining that poor housing designs and unsafe structural conditions often increase vulnerability to fire outbreaks.
The chairman noted that Obio/Akpor has gradually evolved into an urban centre and must therefore embrace modern housing and safety standards that promote healthy and secure living.
He also revealed that the Local Government Council is in the process of establishing an Emergency Management System, which he said would be operational before the middle of the year. The system, according to him, would enhance emergency preparedness through improved manpower deployment, equipment availability, and coordinated crisis response.
While expressing gratitude that no lives were lost in the incident, Dr. Worlu assured the victims that the council would explore practical ways to ease their hardship and help restore normalcy.
Dignitaries who accompanied the chairman 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; Ward 10 Chairman, Promise Ogwutum Amadi; former Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Prof. Nlerum; former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Noble Amadi; Chief Bob Chukwu; Queenth Akaninwa, and other Ward 10 stakeholders in Rumueme.
