Traders at A. T. D line Building Materials in Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, Anambra state, are reeling from a devastating midnight fire that destroyed their shops and goods worth millions of naira. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire razed four shops completely and affected around eight others, leaving many traders counting their losses.
Chigozie Akabuogu, an Iron and steel dealer who lost over N35 million worth of goods, and Mrs. Onyinyechi Ezekwu, who lost goods worth over N25 million, were among the victims. Akabuogu also lamented the loss of N1 million in cash that was in his shop at the time of the fire.
Ikechukwu Benjamin, a Royal Drail and Rolling Doors Dealer, expressed dismay over the incident and called on the government to install fire hydrants in the market. Another victim, Godwin Nsofor, a sawdust dealer, lost all the woods he had sawn for his clients.
Secretary of the Amalgamated Timber Dealers Association, Augustine Ezekwugo, described the fire as unfortunate and unexpected, noting that such an incident had never occurred in the market before. He assured that a thorough investigation was underway to determine the cause and urged traders to ensure all electrical appliances were switched off before leaving to prevent future fires.
Witnesses, including Francis Uchechukwu and Valentine Chimobi, praised the efforts of youths and neighbors who helped control the fire using water and detergent.
