Firefighters Battle Blaze for Over Five Hours, Cause Still Unknown
A devastating fire engulfed a two-storey commercial building on Iweka Road, near Ochanja Main Market in Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Tuesday night, destroying multiple businesses and leaving shop owners counting their losses.
The inferno, which broke out around 9:35 p.m., quickly spread through the structure, consuming valuable goods before emergency responders arrived.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Anambra Fire Service Chief, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident and detailed the efforts made by his team to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction.
“We received a distress call at about 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday and immediately mobilized our firefighters to the scene,” Chiketa said.
Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, the fire chief assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine the source of the outbreak.
Shops Destroyed, But Many Saved
According to reports, the fire affected four shops in the building, all of which stored highly flammable materials such as leather, foam, and furniture-related items. The nature of these materials accelerated the spread of the flames, making it more challenging to control.
“Despite the intensity of the fire, we were able to save many other shops in the building. The situation could have been much worse,” Chiketa added.
Firefighters battled the inferno for over five hours, withdrawing from the scene at about 3:05 a.m. on Wednesday after successfully bringing the flames under control.
Eyewitnesses Recall Moment of Panic
Residents and business owners around Ochanja Main Market described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky and panicked traders rushing to salvage whatever goods they could before the flames spread.
Emeka Ofor, a local trader, said he was closing his shop when he noticed the fire.
“At first, we thought it was a small fire that could be controlled, but within minutes, it spread so fast. People started running in different directions, shouting for help,” he recalled.
Another shop owner, Mrs. Ngozi Okonkwo, said she lost goods worth millions of naira to the fire.
“I sell leather and foam materials. My entire shop was consumed before firefighters could get to it. I don’t know how I will recover from this loss,” she lamented.
Call for Fire Safety Awareness and Improved Response
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety measures in Onitsha, a city known for its bustling markets and high commercial activities.
Several business owners are calling on the state government to improve emergency response times and enforce strict fire safety regulations, especially in high-risk areas like markets and shopping complexes.
Some traders also criticized the lack of fire hydrants in the area, stating that better infrastructure could have helped firefighters contain the fire more quickly.
“We need more fire stations closer to our markets. Fires happen too often in Onitsha, and every time, people lose everything they worked for,” said Chidi Nwosu, another affected shop owner.
Authorities have urged traders and business owners to install fire extinguishers in their shops and avoid storing highly flammable materials in unsafe conditions.
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Next Steps: Investigation Ongoing
The Anambra Fire Service has assured the public that a full investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.
Mr. Chiketa emphasized that fire incidents can often be prevented with proper safety measures, and he encouraged businesses to take fire safety seriously.
“We are working closely with relevant agencies to determine the cause of this fire and prevent future occurrences. We urge everyone to be more fire-conscious,” he said.
Meanwhile, affected shop owners have appealed for government support, urging the Anambra State government to provide relief packages to help them rebuild their businesses.
As the investigation continues, traders at Ochanja Main Market are left to pick up the pieces from yet another devastating fire disaster in Onitsha.
