Several shops have been destroyed following a late-night fire at the Orba International Market in the Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The fire which started at midnight on Monday gutted several stalls where beverage drinks, provisions, consumables and other materials are being sold.
An eyewitness stated on Monday morning that the fire started around midnight, destroying several shops and goods worth millions of naira. The market is the second largest market in the state.
One Chinyere Eze said, “It (fire) started around midnight. It is a pity because the shop owners were not around. All the goods in the affected shops were destroyed. It is a sad New Year for us.”
Confirming the incident, the State Chief Fire Officer, Daniel Ohaa said, “It was a midnight fire incident. We got the information, and our office in Udenu responded swiftly and stopped the fire from destroying more property. Much was destroyed, and much saved.
“It’s fortunate that we have an office close to Orba. It was significant for the rescue operations. We thank residents who contacted us, and I commend our operatives who responded swiftly.”