A lot devastating midnight fire has razed parts of the popular plumbing materials market in Onitsha, leaving traders in shock and counting heavy losses.
The inferno, which reportedly started in the late hours of the night, spread rapidly through sections of the market, fueled by highly flammable materials commonly stored in plumbing and building supply shops. Eyewitnesses said the fire intensified before emergency responders could gain full control of the situation.
Traders and residents in the area described scenes of panic as shop owners rushed to salvage whatever goods they could, while others watched helplessly as their investments went up in flames. Many of the affected shops were said to contain pipes, fittings, tanks, and other materials that further accelerated the spread of the fire.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service were eventually able to contain the blaze after hours of firefighting efforts, preventing it from engulfing nearby buildings and adjoining markets.
Although no casualties have been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report, the scale of destruction is said to be significant, with goods worth millions of naira destroyed.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but preliminary suspicions point to possible electrical faults or unattended flammable materials.
Authorities have indicated that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the source of the incident.
Market leaders and affected traders are calling on the Anambra State Government to provide urgent assistance and support to victims, many of whom have lost their entire means of livelihood.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over fire safety in major commercial hubs across Nigeria, where poor electrical infrastructure and lack of preventive measures continue to pose serious risks.
More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
