Shops, Goods Destroyed In Onitsha Market Fire

Wares and shops worth millions of naira have been destroyed by fire in a plaza located on Kano Street beside the popular Onitsha Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Though the cause of the fire incident which according to sources started at about 1am yesterday had not been established, LEADERSHIP, however, learnt that the cause might not be unconnected with the squabble between some traders over ownership of shops in the plaza.

Major wares sold in the plaza, LEADERSHIP learnt included babies’ wears, exotic wines, wigs, and non-shop owners who display their wares around the plaza.

The state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has commiserated with the victims of the fire disaster.

In a statement issued by his press secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo expressed sadness over the fire incident which he noted has left shops and goods razed.

Soludo, according to Aburime, has directed the state deputy governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim; commissioner for power and water resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka and the commissioner for special duties, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa to convey the government’s commiseration to the affected victims and leadership of the market.

He used the opportunity to reiterate the need for citizens to adhere to fire safety measures particularly in this dry season, and, coming harmattan period.

“As a responsive government, we are already on top of the situation, investigating the remote and immediate causes of the fire, as well as the losses incurred with a view to averting a future recurrence of the disaster”, Soludo was quoted to have said.

The governor was also said to have applauded the efforts of the state’s emergency responders, especially the state fire service in making sure that the fire was extinguished.

He encouraged the victims to remain strong and resolute in the face of the extreme loss promising that his administration would continue to work with relevant institutions to find lasting solutions to the perennial fire incidences across the state.

Meanwhile, the chief fire officer in the state, Mr Martins Agbili said he was alerted about the fire outbreak at about 1am yesterday and that he promptly deployed his men to the area stating that his men refilled their fire fighting vehicle tanker three times yet the fire was still raging.

He also stated that the cause of the fire was yet to be established as at the time of filing this report.