Traders lose millions as fire guts shops in Anambra.

Goods worth millions were destroyed when an early morning fire razed four shops in Anambra market.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at Nkwo Market, Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.The inferno, which occurred around 1.20am, was reportedly caused by power surge.

Two days ago, Anambra Commissioner for Spécial Duties, Hon Beverly Ikpeazu -Nkemdiche, had raised the alarm over incessant fire outbreaks in the State in récent time. She lamented that 24 of such incidents occurred within one month, advising the public to take proactive measures on how to prevent them .

Nkemdiche said nine of such incidents happened in January, while eight took place in February already. According to eyewitnesses, goods worth millions, including household items and plastic materials were destroyed by the fire.State Fire Chief, Dr. Martin Agbili, who confirmed the incident, said no life was lost in the inferno

He said his men who arrived the scene shortly after they were alerted controlled the fire from spreading the entire market.

According to Agbili: “At about 0120hrs (1.20am) of Wednesday 21-02-2024, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of fire outbreak at Nkwo Market, Umunze.“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant firefighters to the fire scene. We fought, controlled and extinguished with the assistance of some traders and the public who came out at that incident time.“The cause of the fire was unknown but suspected power surge. There was no casualty or lost of life during the fire incident but about four (4) shops were affected, mainly provision shops, plastic shop and attachments shop.

Always remember to switch off your electrical and electronics appliances when they are not in use to avoid power surge.