A late-night fire in Onitsha Main Market, one of Nigeria’s commercial cities in Anambra State has destroyed goods worth millions of Naira.
The fire, which was said to have been caused by an electric fault in the facility, destroyed shops on the third floor of the three-storey building located near the main market.
A trader in the market said the properties have been destroyed before the arrival of fire fighters.
“We were calling the fire service and they have not responded. See how goods belonging to traders are being destroyed before their eyes,” she lamented.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, saying no life was lost.
He said, “Preliminary investigation shows that the fire was caused by an electric spark and was put out by combined efforts of the police and fire service team.
“The situation has been brought under control. The Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng advises the public to always take precautionary measures to avert such ugly incidents.”
Located in the commercial capital of Anambra State, Onitsha Main Market is one of the largest markets in West Africa based on its size and volume of annual trade.