Fire guts shops at Anambra market, destroy goods

An early morning fire broke out at Nkwo Enugu-Ukwu Market Square in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday, destroying several shops and other valuables.

This is the sixth fire disaster in the state in less than a week. Recent incidents include a petrol tanker explosion near Ozubulu Local Government Secretariat last Friday, which killed one person and destroyed six nearby shops, the burning of a factory in Nnewi on Wednesday, and an early morning fire at Nodu Market in Awka South, which destroyed shops in a three-storey commercial building behind Juhel Pharmaceutical Company.

It was gathered that the Friday fire which started at about 3am affected provision shops and roofing materials within the area.

The cause of the fire was attributed to sparks from electrical surge as a result of sudden power supply in the market.

One of the shop owners who spoke on the condition of anonymity blamed poor electrical connections, adding, “Some of the shop owners were called during the night and when they rushed down, the blaze had already burnt some shops and items before it was brought under control by the men of the Anambra State Fire Service.

“The incident affected provision shops and roofing materials in the market and the cost of damage is huge.”

Confirming the incident via a statement on Friday, Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said a crew and firefighting equipment were immediately dispatched after receiving the distress call and the crew initiated suppression operations upon arrival.

Chiketa, however, advised all shop owners and residents within the market to conduct immediate and comprehensive electrical inspections to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.

“The Anambra State Fire Service wishes to notify the public of a fire incident that occurred in the early hours of today, November 28, 2025, at Nkwo Enugu-Ukwu Market Square, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“A distress call was received at 3:43am, reporting a fire outbreak within the market vicinity. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene and initiated suppression operations upon arrival.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by sparks from an electrical appliance as a result of power surge.

“The incident affected provision shops and roofing materials within the area. Owing to the swift, coordinated, and effective response of the Anambra State Fire Service, the fire was promptly contained, with destruction confined to a single shop.

“No casualties were recorded during the incident. Firefighting operations were concluded with a withdrawal time of 4:46am on the same day.

The Anambra State Fire Service strongly urges all shop owners and residents within the market to conduct immediate and comprehensive electrical inspections to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.

“The public is further advised to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use, particularly shop owners when closing for business,” he added.

Very Nigerian on November 21, reported that an early morning fire destroyed several shops in a three-storey commercial building at Nodu Market, behind Juhel Pharmaceutical Company, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The blaze, which reportedly caused damage worth several million naira, was brought under control by the Anambra State Fire Service.

Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, but preliminary reports suggest it may have started after an occupant fell asleep while cooking.

Eyewitnesses said the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.

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