A raging fire has destroyed goods worth millions of naira at the popular Iweka Road, near Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, following a night inferno that broke out on Tuesday.
According to eyewitness reports, the fire started at approximately 8:30 pm, gutting several shops and reducing valuable merchandise to ashes. Traders, most of whom had closed for the day, could do little to salvage their goods before the fire escalated.
Delayed Response as Firefighters Arrive Late
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that they received a distress call at 9:40 pm and immediately mobilized a team of firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene.
Speaking on the response effort, the State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, revealed that upon arrival, the firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings and shops.
“The fire affected four shops in a two-storey building, but many other shops were saved from destruction. The affected shops contained highly flammable materials such as leather, foam, and furniture components,” Chiketa explained.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Determined
Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, some traders speculate that an electrical fault or possible negligence could have triggered the inferno. Authorities, however, have assured the public that an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause.
Firefighters battled the flames for several hours before successfully extinguishing the fire at 3:05 am on Wednesday, March 26.
Frequent Fire Outbreaks Raise Concerns
The latest incident adds to a growing list of fire outbreaks in Onitsha markets, a recurring issue that has led to massive financial losses for traders. Just last year, a similar fire at Ochanja Market destroyed over 50 shops, prompting renewed calls for better fire prevention measures and quicker emergency response times.
As affected traders count their losses, stakeholders are urging the government to implement stricter safety regulations, improve market infrastructure, and ensure that fire service stations are strategically positioned for faster response times.
