A fire outbreak at the Electrical Market along Old Onitsha–Nnewi Road in Nnewi, Anambra State, destroyed five shops on Wednesday before emergency efforts successfully contained the blaze. The incident caused panic among traders but was prevented from spreading to nearby buildings.
Titansloaded reports that the fire started around 9:30 a.m., shortly after traders resumed business activities for the day. Market occupants quickly mobilised to control the situation after initial attempts to reach the fire service reportedly proved unsuccessful.
Eyewitnesses said the fire began in one of the shops dealing in electrical appliances. Traders and a nearby water tanker driver reportedly joined efforts to put out the flames, helping to limit the extent of the damage before it escalated further.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service later confirmed that five shops located within a one-storey building were affected by the incident. Authorities stated that no lives were lost, although goods valued at millions of naira were destroyed in the fire.
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Preliminary assessments suggested that the fire may have been caused by an electrical spark linked to a power surge. Authorities, however, noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Traders within the market praised the swift intervention of those who assisted in controlling the blaze. They noted that the quick response prevented what could have developed into a large-scale market disaster affecting multiple sections of the commercial hub.
Market fires remain a recurring concern in several Nigerian commercial centres, often linked to electrical faults, poor wiring systems, and power fluctuations. Experts have repeatedly called for improved safety measures and emergency response coordination in busy trading environments.
The Nnewi market fire has once again highlighted the vulnerability of markets dealing in electrical goods, where combustible materials and unstable power supply increase fire risks. Stakeholders say increased awareness and preventive maintenance are necessary to reduce future incidents.
Authorities have urged traders to adopt safety precautions, including proper electrical installations and fire prevention practices. The Nnewi market fire incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rapid emergency response and community cooperation in preventing widespread losses.
