Fire destroys shops worth millions in Anambra market

A fire outbreak at Iweka Road, near Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has destroyed several shops and properties worth millions of naira.

The inferno, which started around 8:30 PM on Tuesday, March 25, occurred after traders had closed for the day, leaving their shops locked.

Eyewitnesses said the cause of the fire remains unknown, but emergency responders and local volunteers worked through the night to contain the blaze.

The source also stated that while efforts are being made to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak, officials of the Anambra State Fire Service have also taken control of the situation.

Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Fire Service said the unit received a distress call at about 9.40 pm.

Led by the State fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa said the service deployed its officers to the scene of the incident immediately it got the distress call.

He said, “Immediately, a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene of the fire outbreak. They fought gallantly and contained the incident, stopping the fire from further escalation.

“The incident affected four shops, and many others were saved in a two-storey building. These shops contained furniture materials such as leather, foam and others,” Chiketa said.