A devastating midnight fire outbreak has ravaged four shops at Nkwo Market, Umunze, in the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Eyewitnesses report that the fire, suspected to have been triggered by a power surge, blazed for several hours before firefighters arrived.
Traders at the scene were seen salvaging the remains of their burnt goods and properties. While there were no casualties, the inferno destroyed goods and properties in the affected shops, primarily provision shops, plastic shops, and attachments shops.
This incident adds to the spate of fires in Anambra State, with approximately 24 fire incidents recorded between September 2023 and February 16, 2024. In January 2024 alone, there were nine fire incidents across the state, with eight occurring in February.
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The state fire service chief, Martin Agbili, confirmed the incident, stating that firefighters received the distress call around 1:20 am and swiftly responded. Agbili advised residents to always switch off electrical and electronic appliances when not in use to prevent power surges.