(DDM) – A destructive fire outbreak struck a popular electronics market in Anambra State during the early hours of Wednesday.
The incident occurred at the well-known electronics parts market located in Nnewi.
The market sits within Nnewi North Local Government Area, a commercial hub known for trading activities.
Traders arrived to meet thick smoke rising from a section of the market.
Several locked shops were already engulfed in flames before help arrived.
Witnesses said the fire spread quickly through a row of connected stores.
The blaze reportedly destroyed goods valued at millions of naira.
Items lost included electrical appliances, cables, and delicate electronic components.
Many of the affected traders deal in imported technical parts.
Some victims said their entire business capital was tied to the destroyed goods.
Shop owners cried openly as they assessed the scale of damage.
One trader explained he had recently replenished his stock twice.
He described the loss as a painful financial setback.
People nearby attempted to salvage items before the flames intensified.
Concerned residents feared the fire could spread to neighboring buildings.
The market’s location along a busy road drew a large crowd.
Bystanders gathered while emergency contacts were alerted.
Eyewitnesses said the exact cause of the fire remained unclear.
However, some suspected a sudden electrical power surge.
Officials at the scene reportedly disconnected power lines for safety.
That step helped reduce the risk of electrocution.
The Anambra State Fire Service later confirmed the incident.
Firefighters were said to have responded after receiving a distress call.
Their arrival helped prevent the blaze from consuming the entire structure.
The agency’s chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, provided operational details.
He stated that the fire began around mid-morning hours.
He explained that men and equipment were deployed without delay.
According to him, the affected building is a one-storey structure.
About five shops located upstairs were severely damaged.
Other shops both upstairs and downstairs were saved.
He confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
That outcome brought some relief despite the heavy losses.
He noted that investigations into the cause were ongoing.
He urged traders to adopt preventive safety measures.
He specifically advised store owners to keep fire extinguishers.
He said early response tools can reduce damage before firefighters arrive.
Local traders’ unions are expected to discuss support options.
Community members have begun sympathizing with affected business owners.
Some residents called for improved electrical monitoring in markets.
Others stressed the need for stronger fire safety awareness.
The incident adds to concerns about market fire outbreaks in commercial cities.
Many traders now worry about protecting their investments.
Authorities are expected to release further findings after investigations.
For now, affected families are counting their losses and seeking recovery.
