Nnewi Market fire contained, Five shops burnt

2026-02-18 - 15:46

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu NNEWI—A fire broke out at the Electrical Market along Old Onitsha-Nnewi Road in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday, destroying five shops, but was prevented from spreading further thanks to the prompt action of a water tanker driver and traders. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., shortly after traders resumed business following Wednesday prayers, sparking panic and a stampede as market occupants sought help. Efforts to reach the Nnewi Fire Service initially failed, leaving traders to fend for themselves. Mr. Kingsley Okafor, an eyewitness, said the fire started in one shop, and traders quickly mobilized a tanker lorry driver to douse the flames. “The driver responded immediately without negotiating a price, and together with the traders, they managed to put out the fire before the arrival of the State Fire Service,” he said. The Anambra State Fire Service, led by Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, later confirmed the incident, noting that the fire affected five shops located in a one-storey building housing electrical appliances. No lives were lost, though goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. “The cause of the fire is unknown, but an electrical spark from a power surge is suspected,” Chiketa added. Market traders expressed gratitude that the quick response limited the damage and prevented the blaze from engulfing the entire market.