Midnight blaze destroy shops, buildings in Anambra

Two separate fire outbreaks were reported late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning in Awka, Anambra State.

The first fire occurred at Nwafor Plaza, off Oby Okoli Avenue near UNIZIK Junction, around 11:05 pm, while the second broke out at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction, Okpuno, at about 12:08 am.

Our correspondent who visited the scenes on Wednesday observed that at least four shops were completely destroyed, and buildings were badly damaged before firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service arrived to control the flames.

The operatives worked to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

No injuries or deaths were reported in either fire, but goods and property in the affected shops were lost to the infernos.

Eyewitnesses near the scene attributed the fire at Nwafor Plaza to a power surge, saying it started after power was restored, while the cause of the fire at Igiligi Lane remained under investigation.

“The fire started with a smoke coming out from one of the corners in the plaza, and before we knew what was happening, it started escalating fast, prompting residents and neighbours to make frantic efforts to quench it.

“But unfortunately, some shops containing textile materials had been affected before the arrival of the firefighters.”

When contacted on the development on Wednesday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the

Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed both incidents via a statement, adding that firefighters arrived at the scenes with firefighting equipment immediately after receiving distress calls.

Chiketa advised residents and business owners to ensure regular safety checks of their premises and promptly report any fire incident to the nearest fire station, assuring that the Service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded promptly to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Nwafor Plaza, located off Oby Okoli Avenue, by UNIZIK Junction – Okpuno road, Awka, on February 24, 2026.

“The Service received the emergency call at exactly 2308 hours and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene to contain the situation.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge. With swift intervention by the firemen, the outbreak was successfully controlled, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.

“Two shops were affected by the fire before it was brought under control. Firefighters concluded operations and safely withdrew from the scene at 2359 hours of the same day.

“The Anambra State Fire Service urges members of the public to take proactive safety measures, including the installation of surge protectors and regular electrical inspections, to prevent similar incidents.

“The Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.”

Similarly, for the fire at Igiligi Lane, Chiketa said, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction, Okpuno, in the early hours of 25th February 2026.

“The emergency call was received at 0008 hours, prompting immediate deployment of firefighters to the scene.

“On arrival, firemen commenced firefighting operations and successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings and properties.

“Two shops were affected before the fire was contained. The cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of this report and is subject to further investigation.

“Firefighters concluded operations and safely withdrew from the scene at 0123 hours of the same day.

“The Anambra State Fire Service advises residents and business owners to ensure regular safety checks of their premises and promptly report any fire incident to the nearest fire station. The Service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

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