A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday at Ahịa Mgbede, opposite the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The inferno engulfed multiple shops and left business owners counting their losses as properties and merchandise were reduced to ashes.
The incident has caused widespread despair among traders, many of whom have lost their livelihoods.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire burned for an extended period before firefighters arrived. Victims and sympathizers made frantic efforts to salvage goods but were largely unsuccessful.
One affected trader, identified as Uche, described the scene as heartbreaking. “When we arrived this morning, our shops were gone. Everything we worked for was destroyed. It’s a loss too great to measure,” he lamented.
Uche also recounted how a female trader, overwhelmed by grief, attempted self-harm but was stopped and comforted by those present.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but the Anambra State Fire Service has confirmed the incident. In a statement issued by the Media and Publicity Unit, Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa disclosed that a distress call was received at 2:15 am.
“Firefighters from the Nnewi and Ogidi Fire Stations responded immediately and worked tirelessly to contain the blaze. However, the fire reignited later in the morning, and efforts are ongoing to completely extinguish it,” the statement read.
Chiketa assured the public that no casualties had been reported but urged vigilance to prevent similar occurrences.
“Fire is destructive but preventable. We urge the public to adopt fire safety measures and contact the fire service immediately in case of an outbreak,” he advised.
