Abakaliki, Nigeria – Production machines, raw materials and other properties, estimated to cost N1 billion, were destroyed on Sunday when fire gutted a palm kernel factory at Onuebonyi in Ebonyi state.
Mr Emmanuel Alinchi, owner of the Factory and Director, Perfect Growth Agro Industry Limited, said the machines and other equipment were totally destroyed.
They include oil extracting machines, weighing scales and processing machines.
Alinchi, who said that he had been in the palm kernel processing business since 2017, bemoaned what he called “a collosal loss”.
He added that feeds produced for customers, structures, fans and a vehicle were razed as well.
The factory owner said that the fire incident was caused by a vcdpower surge.
He stated that a section of the factory produces animal feeds for chickens, turkeys, piggeries and extracts vegetable oil from kernel.
“We also produce detergents, tablets and liquid soap.
“This incident happened early this morning and I was there because we do work in the night. I heard a spark and everything was on fire.
“I have over 50 direct and150 indirect workers but only a few of them were on ground. Some neighbours helped out to salvage the situation before the fire fighters arrived.
He further commended the fire fighters for their prompt response.
He called on the federal and state governments to assist him with land and financial support to return to business.
He promised to continue engaging young people and to assist government in creating jobs.
Mr Kennedy Chinaka, the victim’s business partner, described the incident as an economic loss.
Chinaka also appealed to governments and individuals to help to enable the entrepreneur revive his business.
Mr Ralph Ibiam, the Chief Fire Officer of Ebonyi Fire Service, advised that factories should be situated in an open environment.
Ibiam said his men arrived at the scene at 12 midnight and were able to stop the inferno from spreading to other areas.
