The clamor of bustling commerce along Iweka Road, a stone’s throw from the iconic Ochanja Market, was abruptly silenced Tuesday night as a ravenous fire swept through the area, leaving a trail of charred shops and shattered livelihoods. The inferno, erupting around 8:30 PM, transformed thriving businesses into smoldering ruins, an estimated multimillion-naira loss.
The initial spark, its origins still shrouded in mystery, quickly escalated, consuming merchandise and property before the first wail of sirens pierced the night. With many traders already departed, the blaze raged unchecked, casting an eerie glow against the darkening sky.
The Anambra State Fire Service, under the leadership of Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, responded to a distress call at approximately 9:40 PM. A team of firefighters, armed with their equipment, rushed to the scene, battling the relentless flames that threatened to engulf the entire two-story structure. “We arrived to a scene of intense heat and billowing smoke,” Chiketa’s media unit reported. “Our crew fought tirelessly, preventing the fire from spreading further. Four shops were severely impacted, their stocks of furniture materials – leather, foam, and more – reduced to ashes. However, we managed to save numerous other businesses within the building.”
The firefighters’ determined efforts finally subdued the blaze, with the team withdrawing from the scene at 3:05 AM Wednesday morning. The investigation into the fire’s cause is now underway, as shop owners grapple with the devastating aftermath. This incident casts a stark shadow over the vibrant Iweka Road market, a reminder of the fragility of commerce and the ever-present threat of unforeseen disasters.
