A devastating fire broke out late Tuesday night, razing several shops and burning goods worth millions of naira at Iweka Road, close to Ochanja Market, Onitsha, Anambra State. The fire, which started around 8:30pm, quickly spread, engulfing shops that contained valuable materials such as furniture, leather, and foam. Despite the swift response from the Anambra State Fire Service, which received a distress call at 9:40pm, the fire had already caused significant damage before firefighters arrived.
Eyewitnesses reported that some of the shop owners had already gone home when the fire started. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other shops within the two-storey building. Four shops were directly affected by the fire, but many others were saved.
Anambra State Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, March 26, stating that the firefighting crew withdrew from the scene at 3:05am after the fire had been brought under control. As of now, the cause of the fire has not been determined, though investigations are underway.
This incident has left traders devastated, as they face severe financial losses due to the destruction of their goods and property.
