Fire outbreak destroys shops, properties worth millions in Onitsha market

Eric Patrick 

A night fire reportedly occurred at the popular Iweka Road, close to Ochanja market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Eyewitnesses comments gathered by Thewatch Africa correspondent on social media revealed that the Shops and goods estimated to be worth multi-million naira were burnt during the fire outbreak.

The fire, which raged for several minutes before the arrival of firefighters, started at about 8.30pm on Tuesday and razed many shops and left properties burnt to ashes.

Confirming the fire incident on Wednesday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said it received a distress call at about 9.40pm and immediately deployed a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment to the scene.

Chiketa said, “Anambra State Fire Service at about 9.40pm on Tuesday, March 25, received a distress call about a raging fire outbreak at the popular Iweka road, close to Ochanja Market, Onitsha.

“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.

“The cause of the fire outbreak has not been ascertained. The crew of firemen withdrew from the incident’s scene at 03:05 h3.05am) of the next day, Wednesday 26th March.”

A Facebook user, identified as Christian Chuks, said, "I live around this area, I saw when the fire started i. Itas scary

Another user, Francis Okoro wrote, "When saw the fire my heart went to the people who will be affected."

Chinedu Okonkwo, wrote, "Firefighters didn't arrive early, our shop was affected and everything gone."