Tradespeople in Anambra are gnashing their teeth since a fire destroyed items that they had valued at over N300 million.
A fire has devastated the renowned Nkpor Main market in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, which is close to the Onitsha commercial district.
Read Also: Boko Haram militants invade Chibok, causing multiple casualties including 2 deaths
An area of the market was apparently affected by the Wednesday night fire.
Before the traders organised and put out the fire before the state fire department’s personnel arrived, the fire had reportedly already destroyed over thirty establishments.
Chief Paul Okafor, the market chairman, confirmed the occurrence and stated that the fire damaged products valued at about N300 million.
He revealed that other establishments in the area were affected by the fire that originated in a cold room.
According to Okafor, whose own wine shop was completely destroyed, the fire had an impact on stores that sold paints, drapes, gum, shoe leathers, polish, wines, hot beverages, and thinners, among other items.
He bemoaned the lack of response to all of his phone calls to the state fire department, stating that firefighters would not arrive until the traders had mobilised and extinguished the fire.
In order to service the three nearby big markets, he urged the government to place several firefighting vehicles beneath the flyover bridge at Nkpor Main Market.
“Traders are now counting their losses after the inferno damaged goods valued over N300 million,” he stated. This is not appropriate for the holidays.
We urge public-spirited people and organisations, as well as state and local governments, to assist the impacted traders in returning to business as quickly as feasible.
Chief Jude Nwankwo, President of the Building Materials Traders Association and Patron of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, offered his condolences for the victims and urged the government, as well as individuals and groups, to provide assistance.
He suggested that market leaders supply fire extinguishers in each of their markets to lessen the impact of fire, especially at night.
Martin Agbili, the state fire chief, did not return his calls for clarification.
