MIDNIGHT FIRE RAZES ONITSHA PLUMBING MARKET, DESTROYS GOODS WORTH MILLIONS
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
A midnight fire in the early hours of Saturday gutted the Plumbing Material Section of Head Bridge Market, near the Ogbo-Ogwu Medicine Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The inferno destroyed plumbing materials and other goods worth millions of naira across several shops in the market.
The market, located along the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway near the River Niger Bridge, witnessed frantic efforts by traders and residents who tried to contain the blaze before firefighters arrived, while affected shop owners lamented losses accumulated over many years.
Although no casualties were recorded and the cause of the fire remains unknown, eyewitnesses said the incident began around 11:55 pm on Friday.
Some traders who spoke to our correspondent said the fire raged for several minutes before the state fire service arrived to prevent further spread.
“The fire started at almost 12 midnight, the security men at the market alerted officials and traders, but before they could rush to the market, the fire had burnt a substantial part of the market.
“As we speak now, some of the affected shop owners are still packing some of their burnt items and examining the extent of damage. The exact cause of the fire could not be immediately determined, but a power surge is suspected.”
Reacting in a WhatsApp statement on Saturday, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Head Bridge Market, Chinedu Ezekwike, confirmed the incident.
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“There was a serious fire outbreak last night at Head Bridge Market, Onitsha, by the Plumbing Material Section. When we contacted the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area around 12 midnight, he responded immediately and contacted fire service personnel, and they came in numbers and quelled the fire.
“Special thanks to the Chairman of plumbing material, who left his house in Asaba around 12:15 am to control the situation at his domain.
“As the President General of the market, I want to use this medium to thank all those who contributed in one way or another to make sure that the fire was quenched last night.”
The Anambra State Fire Service also confirmed the incident through its Media and Communication Team led by Chukwudi Chiketa.
“Yes, a fire occurred at the market at about 11 pm. The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, but it was massive that it destroyed some plumbing and building materials, but what was rescued was also massive.
“As we speak, men of the fire service are still at the market.”
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