Over 75, 000 Nigerian Girls Work as Prostitutes in Italy. Msgr. Aniagwu reveals  

§  Charges FG to Prosecute Traffickers

By Debra Akudo

The hallowing experiences that victims of human trafficking undergo came under intense scrutiny recently as the justice, Development and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Lagos commemorated the feast of St Josephine Bakhita of Sudan.

Born on 8^th February 1869 in Sudan, Bakhita was kidnapped at the age of 6 and sold into slavery before becoming a Canossian nun. By virtue of her exemplary life, she was beatified on 17^th May 1992 by Pope John Paul 11 and later canonized on 1^st October 2000; becoming the patron saints of victims of human trafficking.

Painting a vivid picture of the rot brought about by human trafficking in our society, Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Aniagwu, parish Priest, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, in company of Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, Director, JDPC reveled to newsmen that over 75,000 Nigeria girls and ladies were currently working as prostitute in Italy alone.

“The number of Nigerians who are trafficked is so high that one is amazed that little or nothing  is ever said about it either by the government or by the media. Imagine over 75,000 Nigerin girls working as prostitutes in one country alone!

What does the government know about those helpless Nigerian women? Does their plight   mean anything to those in authority?”

According to Msgr Aniagwu who is also the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Lagos, many more Nigerian victims of human trafficking can also be found in other European and Asian countries, including the Middle East where they are subjected to the most inhuman treatment imaginable.

While highlighting the various efforts being made by the church over the years to fight the scourge, Msgr Aniagwu said the battle should be a collective one. He therefore called on government and relevant agencies to intensify effort towards curbing the atrocities being perpetuated by human traffickers and bringing them to book.

Several stakeholders who spoke at the media parley were unanimous in their views that lot more need to be done in addressing the prevalence of human trafficking in our society through more public enlightenment, coordinated family education, eradication of poverty by government and enforcing stringent punitive measure against traffickers, amongst others.

where Nigerian Girls Prostitutes Leave in Italy

Nigerian Girls Prostitutes in Italy

Interview

SALARY NON-PAYMENT: Delta Govt Trying to Loot Like Before --- Chief Esigie

Chief Lucky. J. Esigie is the newly appointed leader of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) in the Isoko Ethnic Nationality.

In this recent interview with the publisher and Elo Edremoda, he speaks on the conflicts within the party in Isoko and Delta state, the fate of the Buhari government, the current economic condition as it affects Nigerians as well as, the future of the party come 2019 elections

Why do you think you were appointed leader of the APC in Isoko?

I may not know why they made me leader, but I believe that it was the wish of the people and God's intervention. I did not ask for it nor did I compete for it. Maybe they looked at my antecedents and felt I deserve the position.

Now that you are leader of APC in Isoko, what are your plans towards tackling the crisis rocking the party in your area?

We have already started. From the day our leadership position was unveiled, we went into action immediately, inviting all the factions to come for an emergency meeting. We have been trying to reconcile all the factions so that we can bring peace to Isoko APC. We are already seeing results and are forging ahead. In a very short time all issues that affect the APC in Isoko will be a thing of the past. By God's grace, the legacy of our leader, late Senator F. S. Okpozo, who has a been a mentor will continue to linger on and bring peace to Isoko people.

The state is also having leadership problems; don't you think this may affect your ongoing peace negotiations?

It has been resolved already that the leaders of the present executive will be there for the next 90 days so that all issues concerning the party at the state level are resolved. The minister of State for petroleum, Dr. Kachikwu has asked for the withdrawal of all cases from courts, apologies to those offended and official publications of apology to those that had libel cases. The executive has been asked to try to reconcile all areas offended within their individual local governments. 

When all these are done within the scope of 90 days, a new congress will be called. So the issues are already being settled. We don't see that there is a problem in the state any longer. And that is what Isoko is already doing. We are always taking the forefront.

All things being equal, the Local Government elections will hold next year. What are the chances of the APC in the Isoko LGAs?

The moment we finish all reconciliations, we can now address those issues. Let us get to the bridge, we will cross it. 

At the federal level, people are losing faith for the Buhari-led administration. What is your position on this?

Nigerians always want to leave the substance of issues and begin to chase shadows. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) government up till 2015 destroyed the economy of this nation and everyone knows that. We are trying to repair and for anything that is destroyed, repairing is difficult. We should see it from that angle. 

As you can see, there has been a lot of improvement, going by what happened in 2015 when we took over government till date. Let us be sincere, salaries are being paid now. Federal government pays all salaries. It is some state government like your Delta state who are refusing to pay local government workers and trying to loot like they have been looting before. But states under APC, go find out, they are not owing salaries. That is an improvement with what the federal government is gunning for, you will find that by 2018, what we are experiencing will be a thing of the past. You can't plant your yam today and harvest that same day. We are building up, we have started planting and by the time we start harvesting, you will see that this government has come to stay.

I do not believe you also, when you say people are losing faith. Yes, people are bound to complain but not lose faith. They are complaining to show their pain, but at the same time, they are looking forward to improvement. To me, there is an improvement and this government, with the opportunities we have now, can change things before the next election.


What is your position on comments that Vice President Yemi Osibanjo is a better president?

President Buhari, VP Osibanjo, it is one ticket. The agenda of the one ticket is still on and that is what Professor Osibanjo is doing. He is not digressing from what the ticket is about. He is continuing to build on it. So whether Buhari or Osibanjo, it is APC's performance, not the individual performance.

Do you see APC winning Delta state in 2019?

If you ask me that question, I will say the slogan in the party - APC, change! APC, takeover! No matter what our differences, which we have got on the drawing table now, are, the change in 2019 is an APC government in Osadebe's House.

What is your advice to the APC members in Isoko?

They should try come together and reconcile all their differences. This time, we have an opportunity and we can actually win elections in Isoko. We expect to have a stronger party than what we met.

What is your general advice to the people of Isoko and Nigerians at large?

APC has come to stay. I want them, Isoko People and Nigerians, to support the party.

Chief Lucky Esigie Isoko APC leader

ISOKO MIRROR NEWSPAPER SALES POINT

APAPA LAGOS

1. S.O.C Okwegada, 2, Orodu Lane, Off Mission Street. Or 91, Orodu Street,

Opposite Christ the King Primary School (C.K.S), Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos.

08059947714, 08175013583

2. Mr. Ezekiel Evro

    08035726463

3. IBA ESTATE NEWSSTAND

4. PALMGROOVE

    Joja Press, No. 2 Ofo Street,

5. IKORODU LAGOS

JOSSYTRADE ZAZ NIG. Company. Dry cleaning, Laundry Services and General

Contractors.

Head Office: 1 Uzuazor Joseph Close Off Oshinboyede Street, Selewu Igbogbo.

Branch Office: 22 Meri Road Igbogbo Lagos.

Tel: 08161103739, 08080948397

6. WARRI DELTA STATE

     Apart from newsstand

    Contact: Mr Aki, 08059042801,08021401755

7. OLEH ISOKO SOUTH

    Otepiapia Record Store, Yanga

8. ISOKO NORTH

OTOR-IGHO

Austine --08061159662

Owhelogbo Junction Ozoro (Telephone stand)

9. PORHARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

    Pastor Peter Etugbo, 20, Eliogbolo Road, By Bonanza Shopping Centre,

    Eliogbolo, Rumuokoro.

    Tel: 08035519134

10. ILORIN

      Engr. Ikpa - Tel:08038361383, 08078042656

INTERVIEW

No Fear of God, Greed and Selfishness Bane of Isoko

Underdevelopment says Etugbo

Pastor Peter Etugbo is from Olomoro Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, but reside in Port Harcourt, River State.  He is a man who have been in the lord’s vineyard in the last fifteen years preaching the good news.

In this interview with Isoko Mirror, he reasoned why genuine servants of God should go into politics and other salient issues.

Excerpts 

Please Sir, introduce yourself.

            I am Pastor Peter Etugbo. Am from Olomoro town in Isoko South Local Government of Delta State. I have been pastoring in National Apostolic Church, Portharcourt district, but now with Care- Giving Assembly, which the Lord by his grace entrusted into my care since the beginning of this year 2017.  

How long have you been God’s minister?

I have been a minister in Lord’s vineyard for fifteen years now.

What is the difference between National Apostolic Church and Christ Apostolic Church?

The Church of God is the same everywhere. It is geared towards one goal, and that’s how to prepare people for Gods Kingdom. However, there may be doctrinal differences among the various denominations.

Why did you start your own Church?

No one on this earth owns a church. Jesus Christ is the owner of the Church. Nevertheless, Jesus have given various ministries to various ministers of the gospel to edify the Church till his second coming. But to get you right with your question, I started Care – Giving Assembly as a ministry strictly on Gods call. Care –Giving Assembly is born on the Alter of Gods revelations to me. Care –Giving is the ministry of caring for the less privilege and others using a word of God as instrument.

Should servants of God go into politics?

It has often been said that man is a political animal. That means, in one way or the other every man, man of God inclusive, is a politician. And so, in my opinion, genuine servants of God should go into politics if they so desired. I say this because if we continue to allow the present day caliber of politicians who have no fear of God in their hearts, and without human sympathy to continue to hold sway of our political arena, then Nigerians are in serious trouble.

One thing of note is that when genuine servants of God go into politics, it will help sanitize the rotten system in place and this will also help to obtain good governance with the fear of God and service to humanity.

Who is a leader?

I see a leader as someone who is in a position of authority who carry along those who are in his sphere of influence. Someone who does not see himself or herself as a boss but an encourager. Someone who is not greedy but of a generous and tender heart. Someone who’s love and care of people is amazingly inspiring.

Who can be called a man of God? And what are the attributes?

Anyone who has a call of God upon him, charged with certain divine responsibilities can be referred to as a man of God. Man of God is not self made but divinely made. The call of God upon him must be explicit. The attributes of a man of God includes: fear of God, Integrity, Faithfulness, Holiness, Honesty, Meekness, Self control and Truthfulness.

Will you support Nigeria to split?

I will say Yes or No. To me, Nigeria as a nation splitting is relative. One may like to ask: is it well with us as a nation? Are all the citizens doing well together? Is some section of the country taken advantage of other sections? And so to me it is the answer to these questions and other issues happening in the country that will inform my answer to your question.

What will you say are the factors militating against the development of Isoko Ethnic Nationality?

The number one and the main factor are greed, and selfishness. How do I mean? Take my community, Olomoro for instance. The election of a new president general for some time now is a big tussle. Why? The reason is greed and the urge to get rich quick. Why will various contenders even from the same quarter take one another to court without listening to voice of reasoning? It is all because of selfishness and this tendency is almost all over the land as an ethnic nation. Some years ago, Elder Peter Erebi was elected as president general of IDU, and came all out without form of greediness or selfishness with his hard earned money to develop Isoko nation. But was not supported by the people because of greediness. We are more interested in our personal purse than the development of the land. Another factor is that there is no fear of God in our heart.

What is the way forward?

To me, let’s do away with greed and selfishness that has ravaged the land negatively. Let the fear of God also possess us. Let’s embrace God and his word from the heart.

What is your advice to the people?

Same as above. Let’s turn to God. Thank you.               

Pastor Peter Etugbo

 

12 Cultists in Police Net For Killing Isoko Poly Graduate

By Eduje Martins

Twelve suspected cultists have been arrested by the police in Delta State for allegedly stabbing a 19-year old OND graduate of Electrical Electronics from Delta State Polytechnic Oghara, Desmond Oworu, to death.

The late Desmond whose father is from Igbide in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, why the mother is a police officer working in Area B Police Command Warri. Was allegedly stabbed by the suspects at Oki Junction along Esisi Road, Okere in Warri February 26, 2017.

Desmond’s problem started when he reportedly told one of the cultists to stop molesting a boy in the Okere area of Warri.

Infuriated by the intervention of Desmond, an industrial training student, the cultists started threatening him, vowing to kill him, even though his mother is a Police Officer.

The late Desmond who did his OND programme at Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, had earlier informed his mother of the threat and mentioned three suspects: Goddy, Ekene and Naza, before he was stabbed to death.

Our correspondent reports that 10 of the suspects were arrested and transfered to Asaba, while the remaining two: Ekene and Naza were apprehended in Warri.

The Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division in Warri, CSP Anetie Eyoh confirmed the incident and noted that the case has been transferred to the Delta State Police headquarters, Asaba for further investigation.

Late Desmond Oworu

400 Nigerians Serving Jail Terms In South Africa

Interior Minister, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd) on Friday said 400 Nigerians are serving jail terms for various offences in South Africa.

Dambazau said this at a joint news conference in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the visit of Nigerian delegation to South Africa.

Dambazau and his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama, had on Monday led a delegation to South Africa over the incessant xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living there.

He said he had a meeting with the South African Home Affairs Minister, during which he discussed general issues, particularly on migration.

Dambazau said they also discussed Nigerians involved in some criminal activities.

“These are in the minority, because we also have Nigerian professionals who are contributing positively to the development of their host country.

“However, that is not to say that they should fold their arms and not to do something about somebody involved in crime.

“But in doing that, we emphasised that due process should be upheld in terms of the assumption of innocence, being proved guilty and in terms of fair hearing.

“I understand that there are about 400 Nigerians who are in the South African prison for various offences,” he said.

The minister said their offences included prostitution and drug peddling, among others.

He said the offenders would finish their jail terms in South Africa because there is no prisoner exchange arrangement between Nigeria and South Africa.

He, however, said efforts would be made to ensure that such arrangement is put in place soon.

Dambazau said they also met with the Nigerian community in South Africa.

“When we met with the Nigerian community, we also emphasised that those who are involved in criminal behaviour should not be allowed to spoil the good name of Nigeria.

“So, they have that moral responsibility to report where necessary,” he said.

The minister said the issue of passport challenge was also tabled at the meeting, with a promise that it would be resolved.

“There were complaints that the passport machines were old and from our record, we understand that they were supplied in 2007

“I then promised them that arrangement would be made to ensure that all passport machines are changed to modern ones.

“We are going to streamline the issuance of passports,” he said.

Amnesty International Slams Lagos for Destroying Riverine Community

Rights organization, Amnesty International Nigeria has accused the Lagos State Government of illegally and brutally demolishing Otodo-Gbame waterfront community.

The organization said thousands have been rendered homeless after security operatives used tear gas on them and fired live bullets to pave way for bulldozers to demolish the community.

In a statement by its Media Manager, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International said the eviction was being carried out in violation of a court ruling issued in January specifically prohibiting it.

It also said residents were not served any notice prior to the forced eviction which came as a total shock and called for an immediate end to the demolition and for the authorities to respect the court ruling which prohibits them from carrying out forced evictions in waterfront communities.

Amnesty International’s Nigeria researcher, Morayo Adebayo, was quoted as saying, “The scene at the moment is chaotic and dangerous for the thousands who live in the Otodo-Gbame community. The military and police are out in full force and are using tear gas and live bullets to disperse the residents. There are four bulldozers ripping through the settlement.

“This brutal and illegal act flies in the face of human dignity as well as a High Court Ruling that prohibited the eviction taking place and instructed the authorities to instead seek a settlement with the affected communities.

“The Lagos State Government should ensure that the families who have been rendered homeless this morning are given emergency relief including adequate shelter, water, food and any medical care they may require.”

A resident of the area who witnessed the demolition, Julius Oladele, was quoted as saying that almost all the houses in the community have been demolished.

“They did not allow anyone to take their properties. They are chasing people away. My own house was destroyed this morning before I could rush back from work,” Oladele said.

Amnesty International, which said it had been documenting forced evictions in Lagos State for over ten years, stressed that the evictions “are carried out without adequate prior consultation, adequate notice, and compensation or alternative accommodation”.

It also said that on 9 and 10 November, 2016, over 30,000 residents were forcibly evicted from the Otodo-Gbame community.

“Today’s eviction follows the 26 January, 2017 ruling of the Lagos State High Court in the above case in which the judge held that forced evictions are inhuman cruel and degrading, and a violation of section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution,” it said.

Fake Pastor Arrested for Fraud and Impersonation

By Michael Ekokoruwe

An imposter who claimed to be Ernest Erowo with a facebook account opened in the name of Prophet Ernest Erowo Untouchable  of City of Faith Ministries Int'l Inc., also known as The Untouchable Family, aimed at defrauding the unsuspecting members of the public, has been arrested at Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The internet fraudster, who opened an account with First Bank PLC in the name of Abada E. Best with account No. 3043867593, was linked to his facebook account in the name of Ernest Erowo, asking the public to pay money into his account with intent of providing spiritual providence, thereby defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

The suspect, while confessing to the crime at the Area Commander's office of the Nigerian Police Force, Delta Central Command Ughelli, said he is a pastor and intentionally opened the facebook and First Bank accounts to source for money to finance a programme he planned to execute. Meanwhile, a huge and undisclosed amount of money has been paid to him by the unsuspecting members of the public.

Earlier, Prophet Ernest Erowo Untouchable through A.E. Erakpofuke Esq. (Barrister and Solicitor), has appealed to the Area Commander of the Nigerian Police Force, Delta Central Command Ughelli, in a letter dated  16th January 2017, to arrest and question the said imposter using the duplicate facebook account Ernest Erowo, to prevent him from carring out further acts of fraud and impersonation.

The Media Publicity Director to Prophet Ernest Erowo Untouchable, Pastor Success I. E. Udogidi, also the Regional Head Pastor (South South region) City of Faith Ministry Int’l Inc. Ozoro, Delta State, confirmed the arrest. He said the imposter had hacked into the facebook account name "Ernest Erowo" which is the facebook account name of Prophet Ernest Erowo Untouchable and duplicated it with a changed picture. This fake duplicate account is what he used in defrauding the unsuspecting members of the public. Pastor Success I.E Udogidi  urged members of the public to be vigilant and watchful as internet fraudsters are everywhere.

As at the time of filing this report, the imposter Abada E. Best with fake duplicate facebook name Ernest Erowo is still being detained at the Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Central Command Ughelli for further investigation.

Fake Pastor

Real Pastor, Prophet Ernest Erowo Untouchable

of City of Faith Ministries Int'l Inc

PROVOST, ADAKA, ISOKO MIRROR PUBLISHER OTHERS BAG COMMUNNITY AWARDS

BY DEBRA AKUDO

Recently,  Uruehe sub- community Ezede Uzere Kingdom honoured her sons and daughter during their end of the year party. In his address, the Oletu, Mr. Avuwakoghene John Edoworu gave a brief history of Uruehe community. As the first son of Ezede, Uruehe had 2 sons namely, Ekoruwe and Okpuzo. Ekoruwe being the first son is always referred to as “Ekoruwe Sasasa’’. Speaking further, the Oletu said; God has blessed Uruehe people with longetivity. Many Uruehe have lived to become Edios not only in Uruehe, but also in Ezede and Uzere as a whole. Among whom are Late Akalaka, Late Adaka, Late David Ovre, Late Aluta and a host of others who are still alive till today. Pa Erebi Ebahor and Pa Johnson Imelu, Rev. M.M. Itiveh are in the latter category. Uruehe has produced National and International figures in almost every endeavor in life. Some of the illustrious sons Uruehe has produced include Late Bernard Mafeni, Late Chief J.E Otobo, Late Dr. Fidelis Otobo, Dr. Awoture Eleyae, Engr. Guy Otobo, Sir Israel Afiemo, Archbishop (Prof.) Akpezi Imelu, Prof Stephen Emosairue, Engr. Mattheew Elayae, Prof Edafe Otobo, Prof. Odu to mention a few. God, not only blessed us with abundant water resources from where we harvest fish for subsistent and commercial purposes, economic trees are found in our land – Palm trees from which palml oil is got and tress from which wood for building houses and fuel are obtained. Other communities in Uzere readily give their daughter in marriage to Uruehe men because of these blessings that bound in Uruehe. It is my desire that we maintain these blessing that God bestowed us. I am appealing to Uruehe sons and daughters in high positions to assist the younger ones to secure white-collar jobs since there is an army of unemployed graduates in Uruehe he added. He then appreciated the following persons and organization for their contributions towards the peace and over – all development of Uzere Kingdom. They include General Alexander Ogomudia, Dr. Awoture Eleyae, Sir Israel Afiemo. Mr. C.D Ikre, Chief Fidelis Adaka, Archbishop Akpezi Imelu, Elder Daniel Olokor, Mr. Edoge, Sir Prosper Irogbo, Chief J.E Akiri foundation. Special thanks to Sir Israel Afiemo for providing slabs for the entrance to Uruehe street and the main hall. Others are Chief (Dr.) F. Adaka (JP) and Mr. David Umokoro for the wise counsels they gave from time to time. The highlight of the event was when awards were presented to their deserving sons and daughter namely; Prof. Stephen Emosairue, (Provost, Delta State University Oleh Campus), Chief Fidelis Adaka (JP), Mr. David Umukoro, Hon. Jones Agbaka, Chief Benjamin Ogu, Mr. Jimmy Egoro, Mr. Godspower Ukpuki, Mr. Marine Awili, Mr. C.D. Ikre and Comrade Essi Felida for their Outstanding Contributions, Dedication and Exemplary Leadership to services of Humanity and Development. Others who got road naming award includes; Prof. Stephen Emosairue, Chief Fidelis Adaka (JP), Mr. Samuel Aluta, Elder Daniel Olokor, Sir Israel Afiemo, Dr. Awoture Eleyea, Hon. Jones Agbaka, Chief Johnson Odhegba, Dr. Ben .O. Adaka, Chief (Eng.) O. Mafani, Eng. Mattew Eleyea , Prof. A.E. Ekoko and Gen. A.O. Ogomudia (Rtd.)

 

Left to right chief Dr Adaka JP, Prof. Emosairue Stephen (Oleh Campus Provost) and Hon. Agbaka Jones at Uruehe party.

BISHOP ARUAKPOR CONDEMNS SOUTHERN KADUNA KILLING OF CHRISTIANS

By Debra Akudo

The Bishop of Oleh Diocese Anglican Communion, Bishop John Usiwoma Aruakpor has condemned in strong terms the Southern Kaduna killing of Christians by Fulani herdsmen during the diocesan Monthly Restoration Mountain to end the seven days fasting of the diocese to begin the year 2017, held at St. Paul’s Cathedral Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State. Bishop Aruakpor who decried the massacre of innocent Christians in Southern Kaduna also condemns the leadership conscious effort to attend to the peoples’ need and aspirations at the appropriate time. He stated that the delay in getting requisite information needed for a thorough appraisal and resolution of the crises would have saved the situation. The cleric reiterated that the siege by Fulani herdsmen terrorists operating under a predictable pattern of reconnaissance, leading to many deaths and social dislocations must stop in Nigeria. He urged leaders not to close their eyes to adequate information about these murderous group to avoid future occurrence, especially those whose citizens were murdered in cold blood by the terrorists continuously. Similarly, Bishop Aruakpor and family members accompanied by the entire diocese, thanked God in a special thanksgiving section during the Monthly Restoration Mountain as he survived armed robbery attack within the Bishop’s court of Oleh diocese Anglican Communion. Bishop

 John Aruakpor recalled that he  was attacked sometime late December 2016 were only cash and valuable goods worth thousands of Naira were taken away and no life was lost. The former Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Rev J. F. E. Edewor said, God who has done this deserved our praise and thanks, stressing that God is the protector of the innocent faithful believers. He prayed that God will lift Bishop Aruakpor higher in the presence of the enemy and reigned peace on his family even as God’s blessing is by His favour. Highlights of the event were songs rendition, testimonies, prayer section, word ministration and anointing by the duo of Bishop Aruakpor and Edewor while other ministers of the gospel in Oleh diocese of Anglican Communion from various archdeaconries assisted.

Harmattan: Fire Guts Down Goods, Properties Million Naira in Warri

Harmattan: Fire Guts Down Goods, Properties Million Naira  in Warri



Tragedy struck early hours of yesterday when goods and properties running into several millions of naira, were reportedly razed down by fire in the Estate Roundabout area of Warri, Warri South council area of Delta state.

According to sources, the inferno, aided by the harmattan weather, was as a result of an unattended dumpsite fire.

The fire outbreak allegedly started at about 3:30am on Sunday, destroying about 9 shops mostly containing electronic appliances.

iMirror gathered that some shop owners had decided to burn their refuse towards the close of business on Saturday, leaving the dying flames as they closed.

However, the harmattan wind, which had become stronger in Warri metropolis since Thursday, was said to have fanned the residue of fire into a nearby bush, from where it leapt onto the closest of the shops around.

One of the residents of the area and eyewitness, Obinna Okechukwu, said neighbours in the area only woke up midnight to observe the thick fire on the shops, stressing that it was believed to have jumped on the shops from a burning bush nearby.

"We immediately raised an alarm to attract other neighborhood youths and we quickly mobilized ourselves to the spot to see what could be done to salvage whatever we could before the fire fighters would arrive the scene as some persons had already put a call across to them.

"On getting there we realized that the fire was spreading from one shop to the next, so what we did was to go to the next shop that would catch fire and lucky enough for us its a plank building  so we decided to bring it down to curtail further spread.

"The fire had been curtailed before the fire fighters arrived the scene at about 4:10am to put off the fire from the shops that had been severed by the fire," Ikechukwu recounted.