A devastating fire outbreak has occurred at the popular Nkwo Nnewi Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The inferno, which started in the early hours of the morning, precisely 2am has gutted several sections of the market, destroying goods and properties worth billions of naira.
Eyewitnesses report have it that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in one of the shops, which quickly spread to other nearby stalls due to the highly flammable nature of the goods sold in the market.
Traders and shop owners were seen trying 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 Nkwo Nnewi Motor Spare Parts Market, described the incident as a “great loss” for the traders and the community at large.
“We are still trying to come to terms with the extent of the damage,” he said. “We urge the government and other well-meaning individuals to come to our aid and assist us in rebuilding the market.”
The Anambra State Government is yet to react to the development as at the time of going to the press.
The fire incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of markets in the state, and also about the illegal structures that have cascaded the market with calls for improved emergency falling to deaf ears as most of the response measures and regular fire safety inspections have been abadoned all in a bid to make more money from the traders and shop owners.
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.
