A devastating early morning fire razed several shops at Afor Nnobi Market in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira. The blaze, which affected two shops filled with clothing and textiles, left traders reeling from the significant losses.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, though speculation points to a possible power surge. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick flames emanating from one shop and rapidly spreading to adjacent shops. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, managing to prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
One trader, Ndubisi, recounted the chaos, noting that the fire started around 7:15 am, just as traders were preparing to open their shops. Despite attempts to salvage goods, the rapid spread of the fire thwarted their efforts. Ndubisi estimated the losses to be in the millions, lamenting that the affected traders couldn’t save any of their merchandise.
The Anambra State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident, stating that no lives were lost but two shops were severely damaged. Chiketa attributed the fire to a power surge and emphasized the importance of promptly alerting fire services to mitigate such disasters.
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During a visit to the scene, Chief Humphrey Anuna, President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, highlighted the danger posed by shops built under high-tension power lines. He ordered the immediate demolition of all structures under these lines, expressing frustration that previous warnings had been ignored. Anuna noted, “Properties and wares worth millions have been lost because of these illegal structures.”
Market Chairman Chief Maduabuchi Ezeoke, through former Task Force leader Chief Mathew Nwaneli, echoed these concerns. He reminded traders of past warnings about the risks of operating under high-tension wires and supported the demolition orders, stating that the tragic loss should serve as a stark lesson.
The fire at Afor Nnobi Market has brought to light critical safety issues, prompting authorities to enforce regulations against building under high-tension power lines to prevent future tragedies.
