A midnight fire engulfed Ahia Mgbede, opposite the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, reduced numerous shops to rubble, leaving victims in tears as they arrived to find their businesses in ruins.
While the cause remains unknown, the blaze raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived, with victims and sympathizers attempting to salvage what they could.One shop owner, Uche, recounted, “This is a huge loss. We arrived to find our shops burnt to the ground. One victim, devastated by the incident, almost attempted suicide but was comforted by sympathizers.”
Another trader, Udoka, lamented, “I deal in groceries. Everything I worked for is gone. I don’t know where to start again.”The Anambra State Fire Service, in a statement, confirmed receiving a distress call at 2:15 am.
Crews from the Nnewi and Ogidi Fire Stations were deployed to battle the inferno. Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa commended the firefighters for their efforts in containing the fire.The incident has plunged the local business community into mourning, with traders calling on the government for support to rebuild their livelihoods.
