Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A fire outbreak on Wednesday swept through parts of the Electrical Market located along the Old Onitsha-Nnewi Road in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, destroying goods worth millions of naira and leaving traders counting heavy losses.
The blaze, which reportedly started in the early hours of the day, quickly spread through several shops stocked with electrical appliances, cables, generators and other highly combustible materials. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising above the commercial hub as traders and residents rushed to salvage whatever goods they could before the flames intensified.
Eyewitnesses said the fire appeared to have originated from one of the locked shops before extending to adjoining stalls in the tightly packed market. The exact cause of the outbreak had not been officially confirmed as of press time, but preliminary accounts from traders suggested a possible electrical surge following a power supply restoration overnight.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service responded to distress calls and deployed firefighting trucks to the scene. Firefighters battled for several hours to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to other sections of the market and nearby residential buildings. Their efforts were supported by local volunteers and security operatives who assisted in crowd control and evacuation.
A spokesperson for the Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident and said the situation had been brought under control. The official noted that although no fatalities were recorded, several traders sustained minor injuries while attempting to rescue goods from their shops. Those affected received first aid treatment at the scene, while a few were taken to nearby medical facilities for further evaluation.
Traders in the Electrical Market described the incident as devastating, particularly given the current economic climate and the high cost of imported electrical materials. Many shop owners said they had recently restocked in anticipation of increased demand and now faced significant financial setbacks.
“We closed yesterday evening without any issue,” one trader said. “This morning, we were called and told the market was on fire. Everything inside my shop is gone.” Others echoed similar sentiments, urging the state government to provide urgent assistance and to investigate the root cause of the blaze.
Market leaders began conducting preliminary assessments to determine the extent of the damage and to compile a list of affected traders. While a full inventory is still ongoing, early estimates suggest that dozens of shops were either completely razed or partially damaged.
Security personnel cordoned off the affected area to allow firefighters to complete their work and to prevent looting. Traffic along the Old Onitsha-Nnewi Road was temporarily disrupted as emergency vehicles and onlookers crowded the vicinity.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of fire safety measures in markets, particularly those dealing in electrical and electronic equipment. Officials advised traders to ensure proper wiring in their shops, avoid overloading power outlets and disconnect appliances when not in use. They also encouraged market associations to install fire extinguishers and establish rapid response mechanisms to address emergencies promptly.
The Electrical Market in Nnewi is one of the major commercial centres in the region, serving customers from across Anambra and neighbouring states. Known for its concentration of electrical and electronic goods dealers, the market plays a significant role in the local economy and provides livelihoods for hundreds of families.
Incidents of market fires have been reported in various parts of Nigeria in recent years, often linked to electrical faults, poor wiring systems, storage of flammable materials and inadequate fire prevention infrastructure. Experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of building standards and regular safety inspections in densely populated trading hubs.
As investigations continue, state authorities have assured traders that a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. Government officials are also expected to engage with market leaders to explore possible relief interventions for those severely affected.
For now, the atmosphere in the Electrical Market remains tense, with charred goods and collapsed shop structures serving as stark reminders of the destruction. Traders gathered in small groups, discussing their losses and considering the uncertain path ahead.
Community leaders have appealed for calm and urged affected business owners to cooperate with investigators. They also called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support victims as they attempt to rebuild.
While the immediate flames have been extinguished, the economic and emotional impact of the disaster is likely to linger for weeks, if not months. For many traders, recovery will depend not only on official assistance but also on collective resilience and solidarity within the market community.
Authorities have pledged to provide updates as more details emerge regarding the origin of the blaze and the scale of the damage.
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