A massive fire has engulfed parts of the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, Nigeria, causing panic among traders and residents. The inferno reportedly broke out in one of the buildings around 6:20 AM on Friday before spreading to a neighboring structure.
As of the time of this report, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. However, eyewitnesses say the flames spread rapidly, prompting emergency response efforts from traders, local residents, and firefighters, who scrambled to salvage goods and limit the destruction.
Confirming the incident, the Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, assured the public that firefighters were actively battling the blaze.
“The Anambra State Fire Service is currently carrying out intervention efforts at the scene of the fire outbreak at Ifejika Street, by Sokoto Road, Onitsha. We received a distress call at 6:20 AM and immediately deployed our firefighters to contain the situation,” Chiketa stated.
He further urged residents and traders to remain calm as emergency teams worked to bring the fire under control.
The Onitsha Main Market, known as one of the largest commercial hubs in West Africa, has witnessed similar fire incidents in the past, often resulting in significant losses. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the damage, but affected traders are counting their losses as emergency efforts continue.
Culled from Gists9ja
