A midnight fire outbreak at Ahịa Mgbede, located opposite the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, has left goods worth millions of naira in ruins.
The blaze, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, reduced several shops to ashes, plunging business owners into despair and uncertainty.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived, as victims and sympathisers frantically tried to salvage items.
One of the victims, Uche, who described the devastation to Punch said that, “We arrived this morning to find our shops reduced to rubble. The loss is immeasurable and has sent shockwaves through the entire business community.”
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Corps members will never be posted outside their course of study again — Minister
He noted that the cause of the fire remains unknown and that many shop owners suffered significant losses.
He also recounted an incident involving a distraught female victim who, overwhelmed with heartbreak, attempted to harm herself but was consoled by sympathisers.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Fire Service, through a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Unit led by fire chief Chukwudi Chiketa, revealed, “The Anambra State Firefighters attended to a massive fire outbreak at Ahịa Mgbede, located opposite the Motor Spare Parts Market, Uruagu Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The distress call was received at 2:15 am on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Firemen and firefighting equipment from the Nnewi and Ogidi Fire Stations were immediately deployed to the scene.
“Our Firemen fought tirelessly to contain the fire, but it reignited later this morning. Efforts are ongoing to completely extinguish the fire.”
The fire chief who confirmed that there were no casualties recorded as of the time of filing this report appealed to the public to adopt fire safety measures.
He said, “Always be conscious of fire and avoid actions that could trigger outbreaks. Fire is dangerous but preventable. When incidents occur, call the Fire Service immediately to enable timely intervention.”
and then