Soludo Commiserates with Onitsha Market Fire Victims

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has commiserated with victims and owners of shops at Kano Street, beside Main Market, Onitsha, following the midnight fire incident that gutted the market

Goods worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed in the inferno which started around 1am on Monday.

Soludo, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, expressed sadness over the incident that also left shops razed.

He said, “I commiserate with the shop owners over the inferno. As a responsive government, we are already on top of the situation, investigating the remote and immediate causes of the fire, as well as the losses incurred with a view to averting a future recurrence of the disaster.

“Efforts of our emergency responders like the state fire service contributed in extinguishing the fire and I find their efforts heartwarming.

“I encourage those affected to remain strong and resolute in the face of the extreme loss as we continue to work with relevant institutions to find lasting solutions to the perennial fire incidences across the state.”

The Governor also directed his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim in company of the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr Julius Chukwuemeka and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa to convey government commiseration to the affected victims and leadership of the market.

“The Governor wishes to use this opportunity to reiterate the need for citizens to adhere to fire safety measures, particularly in this season of the year,” the statement added.

Confirming the incident, Fire Chief, Engr Martin Agbili said his men were promptly deployed to the area immediately he was alerted.

He said: “At about 0220hrs (2.20am) of Monday 28-11-2022, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of fire outbreak at Kano Street behind Main Market, Onitsha.

“However, we deployed our fire truck and firefighters to scene of fire and they have been working there. They have gone for refilling of the fire truck twice.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who also confirmed the incident, said although no life was lost, goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. 

He said, “The situation is under control on the fire outbreak that occur in the early hours of today. 

“Preliminary information shows that the cause of the fire is as a result of electrical upsurge from a costmetics store in the storey building. Our personnel are still there monitoring.

“The Command want to use the opportunity to advise members of the public to always turn off their appliances before leaving their house and offices.”