A devastating fire razed several shops along Obodoukwu Road near the Relief Market in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses reported that the inferno began in one shop, quickly spreading to others before firefighters could bring it under control. Thick smoke and flames caused chaos and panic as traders and residents scrambled to salvage belongings amid the crowd. Despite efforts by residents and passers-by, many shop owners suffered significant losses.
An eyewitness, Ndubuisi, recounted, “We noticed thick smoke coming from one of the shops, and before we knew it, the fire had spread. Some traders and residents tried to save their goods, but many couldn’t recover anything. Goods worth millions were destroyed.”
The Anambra State Fire Service, led by State Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident and detailed the emergency response. Two fire trucks from Okpoko and Main Market Fire Stations were deployed alongside firefighting equipment to contain the blaze.
Chiketa stated, “At about 4:19 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, we received a distress call about the fire. Our teams worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring structures. The fire was contained, and no lives were lost.”
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have urged traders to prioritize safety measures to prevent future incidents.
