Fire Destroys Shops Near Ochanja Market, Onitsha

A devastating fire has destroyed shops and goods worth millions of naira in Onitsha, Anambra State, following a blaze that broke out on Iweka Road, near Ochanja Market, on Tuesday evening.

The fire, which started around 8:30 PM, caused extensive damage to several shops, reducing goods to ashes. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is believed to have started when many traders had already closed for the day.

Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that they received a distress call at 9:40 PM. Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene, where they battled the flames for several hours.

Chukwudi Chiketa, the state fire chief, said that the fire affected four shops, most of which housed furniture materials, including leather and foam. However, firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading further, saving many other shops, especially in a two-storey building.

The fire service remained on the scene until the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the team withdrawing at 3:05 AM. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.