A late-night fire has razed the plumbing section of the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, destroying goods and disrupting activities in one of the busiest commercial hubs in the metropolis.
It was gathered that the market, situated along the busy Onitsha–Awka Expressway near the River Niger Bridge, went up in flames in the late hours of Friday, with the blaze spreading into the early hours of Saturday.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started around 11:55 p.m. and spread rapidly across sections of the market before it could be contained, making it difficult for traders to salvage their goods.
All efforts by some affected traders to recover their wares were abortive due to how intense the fire was.
The incident prompted a swift response from the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, who mobilised firefighters to the scene, leading to the containment of the blaze.
According to the leadership of the market, as well as the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chinedu Ezekwike, the timely intervention of the fire service and key stakeholders helped prevent further spread of the fire to the plywood and Ogbo Ogwu sections.
He also commended the chairman of the plumbing materials section for his prompt and proactive efforts in coordinating the response at the scene, while expressing appreciation to all those who contributed to bringing the situation under control.
The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained, but traders at the affected market are counting their losses and calling on both the state government and public spirited individuals to run to their aid.
Fire service officials later responded to the incident and brought the situation under control, preventing further spread.
