Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in a midnight fire outbreak at Ahịa Mgbede, situated opposite the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The inferno, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, left several shops in ruins, with goods and properties reduced to ashes.
The tragic incident has plunged the affected business owners into agony and despair.
Eyewitnesses said the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived, while victims and sympathizers struggled to salvage what they could.
One of the victims, identified simply as Uche, narrated the devastation saying “We arrived this morning to find our shops reduced to rubble. The loss is immeasurable and has sent shockwaves through the entire business community.”
He added that the cause of the fire remained unknown but disclosed that many shop owners were severely affected.
He also recounted how a female victim, overwhelmed with heartbreak and frustration, attempted to harm herself but was restrained and consoled by sympathizers.
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Unit, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Firefighters attended to a massive fire outbreak at Ahịa Mgbede, located opposite the Motor Spare Parts Market, Uruagu Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The distress call was received at 2:15 am on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Firemen and firefighting equipment from the Nnewi and Ogidi Fire Stations were immediately deployed to the scene.
“Our Firemen fought tirelessly to contain the fire, but it reignited later this morning. Efforts are ongoing to completely extinguish the fire.”
The fire chief confirmed that no casualties had been recorded as of the time of filing this report.
He, however, urged the public to adopt fire safety measures and promptly report fire outbreaks to the fire service.
“Always be conscious of fire and avoid actions that could trigger outbreaks. Fire is dangerous but preventable. When incidents occur, call the Fire Service immediately to enable timely intervention,” the statement read
(PUNCH)