Several stores at the Electronics Parts Market in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State, were destroyed by an early-morning fire on Wednesday, damaging property and property valued at millions of naira.
Although there were no reported casualties, the fire reportedly destroyed five stores in one building, affecting everything from electronic parts to electrical appliances.
Victims were crying over losses that they claimed had taken decades to accrue at the market, which was situated across a major road.
One of the affected shop owners lamented, “I had just restocked my shop twice before the tragic incident occurred.”
Although the precise origin of the fire was not immediately known, witnesses said they feared a power surge. In order to prevent electrocution, officials promptly arrived on the spot and disconnected electric cables.
The incidence was verified by the Anambra State Fire Service. According to Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, his team quickly extinguished the fire after receiving a distress call.
“The fire started at about 9 am, and our men and equipment were deployed immediately to the scene,” Chiketa said.
“The affected building is a one-storey structure. The inferno consumed about five shops upstairs, which contained electronics and parts. The good part is that it has been controlled, and there was no loss of life. Many shops upstairs and downstairs were saved.”
Chiketa advised locals and traders to exercise caution while the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
“Every store owner should acquire fire extinguishers as a precautionary measure before the fire service arrives,” he advised.
