An indigene of Oko in Anambra State, Prince Ifeanyichukwu Ezefunamba has alleged that the fire incident at the popular Oko Market was man-made considering the circumstances of the incident.
Prince Ezefunamba made the disclosure on his Facebook account, recounting how the residents struggled without governmental help, to put out the fire.
According to him, his call to the Fire Service Chief of Anambra State, Agbili Martin Agility, yielded no positive result as Agbili pointed that his men did not make it to the scene as it was already controlled but left a lot of damages.
He, therefore, called the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, well-meaning Anambrarians, Nigerians, government bodies and Oko indigenes in diaspora, to come to the rescue of the victims of the fire who have lost their means of livelihood.
His post reads: “Few hours ago, the Oko Community in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State experienced an unplanned event which took over the means of livelihood of many citizens.
“Just as at about 12:15 AM, the popular Oko Market at Total was on fire burning down to ashes the goods and properties of many Market men/women.
“In a bid to save the little they could, the community went into self rescue mission as they engaged water tanker drivers who responded swiftly and supplied water to them in other to quench the fire, but before they could have a 100% presence of water, major part of the market was burnt down leaving many without any means of livelihood or survival.
“When I called the Fire Service Chief of Anambra State, Fire Chief Agbili Martin Agility, he pointed that while his men were on movement down to the scene it was already made known to him that the fire has been controlled but has left a lot of damages.
“From the investigations carried out, it can be made known that the said fire wasn’t by mistake but was Intentionally sparked by an unknown individual for reasons which we do not know.
“Looking at how the fire began, it can be said and figured that a human hand is in it physically.
“Many market women who trooped out in mass to behold such an ugly sight were left with a heavy heart and tears rolling continuously down their eyes.
“Some of the market women whom I spoke with made it know that they have been experiencing sit-at-home for four days now and yesterday which happens to be their Eke Market, most of them went to market to restock their shops in order for them to make sales and generate profit the next day. Only for them to be told that their goods were burnt down.
“In this vein, some of the market women called out to well-meaning Anambrarians, Nigerians, government bodies and Oko indigenes in diaspora to come to their aid as most of their only means of livelihood as they began the year 2022 has been brought to a pause.”
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