A devastating fire outbreak on Tuesday night at Iweka Road, near Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has destroyed shops and goods worth millions of naira.
The fire, which started around 8:30 PM, engulfed several shops, reducing goods and property to ashes. According to reports, many traders had already left for the day when the inferno broke out, delaying immediate intervention.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, stated that they received a distress call at 9:40 PM. A team of firemen was immediately dispatched to the scene with firefighting equipment. After hours of battling the flames, the fire was eventually brought under control by 3:05 AM on Wednesday, preventing further destruction.
The fire reportedly affected four shops in a two-story building, primarily dealing in furniture materials such as leather and foam. However, thanks to the swift response of firefighters, many other shops were saved from destruction.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Traders and residents have expressed concerns about fire safety in the area, urging for preventive measures to avoid future disasters.
This latest fire incident adds to the growing concerns over market fires in Onitsha. Business owners are counting their losses as investigations continue into the cause of the outbreak.
