A devastating fire outbreak has ravaged the popular Nkwo Nnewi Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, leaving a trail of destruction and billions of naira in losses.
The inferno, which started at approximately 2am, gutted several sections of the market, destroying goods and properties worth billions of naira. Eyewitnesses attributed the fire to an electrical fault in one of the shops, which quickly spread to nearby stalls due to the highly flammable nature of the goods sold in the market.
Traders and shop owners were seen scrambling to salvage what was left of their wares, while firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service battled to bring the blaze under control.
Stakeholders of the market described the incident as a "great loss" for the traders and the community at large. "We urge the government and other well-meaning individuals to come to our aid and assist us in rebuilding the market," they appealed.
The fire incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of markets in the state, with many calling for improved emergency response measures and regular fire safety inspections. Critics also point to the proliferation of illegal structures in the market, which they claim has compromised safety standards.
The Anambra State Government has yet to react to the development. The Nkwo Nnewi Motor Spare Parts Market is one of the largest and most popular markets in the Southeast, attracting traders and customers from all over the country.