Midnight Fire Burns Down Shops at Anambra Market
Several shops, valued at millions of naira, were engulfed by flames during a fire that broke out in the early hours of Tuesday at Ahia Mgbede, located near the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State.
According to reports from PUNCH Metro, the fire caused extensive damage, destroying both goods and property. Upon visiting the scene, our correspondent witnessed the devastation, as shop owners arrived in the morning to find their businesses reduced to rubble.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, it is known that the flames raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived. During that time, some victims and bystanders tried to salvage what remained of their goods, visibly distressed by the loss.
One victim, identified only as Uche, expressed deep sorrow, saying, “We arrived this morning only to find our shops completely destroyed by fire. This is a massive loss that has shaken the local business community. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the damage is extensive. One shop owner, a woman, was found in distress and appeared to be contemplating suicide due to the overwhelming frustration. Thankfully, she was comforted by the crowd that gathered to assist.”
Another affected shopkeeper, Udoka, who sells groceries, shared her devastation, saying, “We heard about the fire late at night, and by the time I arrived this morning, my shop was reduced to ashes. This loss is unimaginable, and I’m unsure where to begin rebuilding.”
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the emergency call was received around 2:15 AM on January 14, 2025. Firefighting teams from both the Nnewi and Ogidi Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the location. According to the statement, “Our firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the rapidly spreading fire under control and prevent further damage.”
