Angry Residents Attack Fire Fighters Over Late Response to Fire Incident At Onitsha Estate

By Praise Chinecherem

Operatives of the Anambra State Fire Service were on Saturday attacked by angry residents in an estate in Nkwelle Ezunnaka in Onitsha, following their delayed response to a fire outbreak in the area.

The fire was said to have been ignited after a fallen petrol tanker spilled its content .

It was gathered that the fire fighters who arrived the scene to extinguish the fire were however attacked by some residents who hurled stones at them, accusing them of late arrival.

Confirming the incident, Director, State Fire Service, Engr. Martin Agbili said he quickly deployed his men to the scene after receiving the distress call at about 10: 58 am.

He however said he had contacted the Police of that zone for assistance.

He said, “It is very unfortunate for the ugly actions of people towards firefighters and Fire Service.

“Can you imagine, my men and the first fire trucks got to the Fire Scene of T-junction Nkwelle and people start throwing stones at them.

“People should understand that Fire Service is only coming to render help when there is fire outbreak and not the cause of the fire.

“However, we have to reverse but we are still standing-by within Nkwelle although far from the fire scene.

“It must be noted that we received the distress call at about 1058hours and our Firefighters and fire trucks were deployed immediately to the fire scene by Chidiebele Cy Obika and others.”

The fire was still raging as at time of filing the report.