Fire Razes Shops In Onitsha Main Market

An early morning inferno on Tuesday razed some shops in the biggest market in West Africa, Onitsha main market.

The fire which broke out at a two-storey building housing the main market Police Station and fabric shops, destroyed goods worth millions of naira.

Located at the extreme end of the market, the fabric section known as “Gbongboro”, is also used as a warehouse for fabrics dealers.

BOblog learnt that the traders were seen trying to salvage the remnant of their goods, even as the cause of the fire remains unknown.

It was also gathered that firefighters battled for hours to contain the inferno while some traders watched in tears as it consumed their shops and goods.

But an eyewitness revealed that the fire started at the White House where they sell lace fabrics.

He added: "The section was supposed to be a motor park and an emergency exit but people blocked it with illegal structures through the approval of some government agencies.

The source noted that it was difficult for the firefighters to access the section due to blockages in the section, noting that the traders were unable to salvage their goods as the fire raged furiously.

Spokesman of Anambra Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, adding that firefighters and policemen were on ground to control the fire and prevent looting.

The Director of Anambra Fire Service, Mr Martin Agbili is yet to release an official statement about the incident as at the time of filing this report.

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