Fire destroys properties worth million in Anambra

ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Properties worth running into millions of Naira were lost on Sunday when  no  fewer than 250 shops  were consumed by fire at Obi Isiedo foodstuff market, Okpuno-Egbu, Umudim, in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Our reporter  gathered that the shops were gutted by fire on New Year eve. According to an eye witness, the fire started around 10pm on Saturday night from one shop which later spread to others.

According to the eye witness,  money and goods  left   in the shops for take-off of business after the Christmas and New Year festivities were also burnt by the fire. We gathered that over seven water tankers were mobilized including other individual efforts to the scene  but it was to no avail.

A nearby resident whose house was touched, Rev Chinedu Dike, said no one could explain what was responsible for   the fire outbreak .

“As you can see, my house is near the market. I came back from some functions and was taking my rest when around 9.30 pm we heard an outcry that the market was on fire. People started running here and there looking for help and water tanker suppliers were contacted who mobilized up to seven tanks of water to quench the fire  but to no avail.

“Fire fighters came but the fire was already advanced. Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. My two storey building under construction was about to be consumed but I struggled to save the situation and received some bruises in the process, ” he said.

He  put the figure of the burnt shops at between 250 and 300 stocked with goods. He appealed to Anambra State government, organizations and individuals to come to the rescue of the fire victims. According to him, the help would be a big relief to the victims, if it could come early.

The Director of Anambra Fire Service, Martin Agbili, who  confirmed the fire incident said no life was lost  He said ,  the fire started at about 10pm. He thanked the public, security agencies and his men for ensuring the safety of the residents.