By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Fire on Saturday night razed about 250 shops at Obi Isiedo foodstuff market, Okpuno-Egbu, Umudim, in Nnewi, Anambra State.

According to eye witnesses, the fire started around 10pm at one shop and later spread to many others.

“The owners of the shops left their goods and some cash with which to continue business after the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“Over seven water tankers were mobilized including other individual efforts to the scene which could not stop the fire,” a source said.

A resident of the area, Rev Chinedu Dike, whose house was torched, said no one could explain what caused the fire.

“As you can see, my house is near the market. I came back from some functions and was taking my rest when around 9.30pm we heard an outcry that the market was on fire.

“People started running helter-skelter looking for help and water tanker suppliers were contacted who mobilized up to seven tanks of water to quench the fire to no avail.

“Fire fighters came but the fire was already advanced. Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. My two-storey building under construction was about to be consumed but I struggled to save the situation and received some bruises in the process.”

While estimating the affected shops to be between 250 and 300, he said that the shops were also stocked with goods.

Dike called on Anambra State Government, individuals and organisations to come to the rescue of the fire victims, he said the help would be a big relief to the victims, if rendered early.

Confirming the incident, the Director of Anambra Fire Service, Martin Agbili, said that no life was lost.

He hailed the public, security agencies and his men for ensuring the safety of the residents.

Update news