Traders and residents are counting their losses after an early morning fire destroyed a warehouse and a two-storey building containing textiles and other materials on Ifejika Street, near Main Market, Sokoto Road, Onitsha, Anambra State. The fire, which started around 6:20 am on Friday, burned for nearly six hours, prompting a swift response from the state fire department.
Eyewitnesses and victims stated that the fire began in a warehouse before spreading to the two-storey residential building and nearby structures. One victim, identified as Cheta, said, “I was told the fire started around 5:30 am. We arrived this morning to find our warehouse, where we stored our goods, completely destroyed. It’s a huge loss that has shocked the entire business community in the area.”
Cheta added that the cause of the fire is still unknown and that it spread to residential buildings. One building owner, deeply distressed, was seen trying to take his life due to the heartbreak and frustration caused by the incident. He was, however, helped and comforted by sympathizers at the scene, where cries of sorrow could be heard throughout the area.
Anambra State Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident, saying that a distress call was received at about 6:20 am, prompting the immediate dispatch of four fire trucks. He said, “The fire started in a warehouse filled with textiles and spread to nearby residential buildings. Our firefighters worked for hours to control the situation. Fortunately, no lives were lost, though goods and properties were destroyed. We urge the public to remain calm as we continue to extinguish the fire.”
Chiketa also thanked the sister agencies and members of the public who assisted in containing the fire.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed sympathy for the victims, noting that the fire might have been prevented if proper safety measures had been followed. “Thankfully, no lives were lost, and we appreciate the Fire Service and others who helped put out the fire. The police are now investigating the cause of the fire and working to ensure that criminals do not exploit the situation,” CP Orutugu added.