An early morning fire on Sunday swept through a section of the popular Aforigwe Market in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria, destroying shops and goods estimated to be worth millions of naira.
The fire broke out in the Umunnachi area of the market in Umudioka community, within Dunukofia Local Government Area. Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, Fire Chief of the Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Onitsha.
Chiketa said initial findings point to a possible electrical spark, believed to have occurred after power was restored to the building affected by the fire.
He explained that the inferno started around 2:00 am, but the rapid response of fire service officials ensured that the flames did not spread to adjoining buildings.
A witness at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said personnel from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company disconnected electricity supply to the market, located along the Old Onitsha–Awka Road, to avert further danger.
The fire destroyed a number of businesses, including shops selling shoes, food items, bread and electrical appliances, leaving traders to count significant losses.
