A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Ahia Mgbede market, located opposite the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State. The fire, which ravaged numerous shops, resulted in a significant loss of goods and property, with multi-million naira worth of merchandise destroyed.
Victims of the fire arrived at the market on Tuesday morning to find their businesses reduced to ashes, sending shockwaves through the local business community. Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, eyewitnesses reported that the fire raged for several minutes before the arrival of firefighters, who worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
One victim, identified as Uche, expressed the devastating loss, stating, “It is a huge loss that has sent shock waves to the entire business community.” She mentioned that one of the shop owners, a female, was seen attempting to commit suicide due to the overwhelming heartbreak caused by the fire. Thankfully, she was rescued and comforted by sympathizers at the scene.
Another victim, Udoka, who deals in groceries, described her shock upon arriving at the market to find her shop completely burnt. “This is a huge loss to me, and I don’t know where to start from again,” she lamented.
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed receiving a distress call at 2:15 am on Tuesday and swiftly deployed firefighting teams from the Nnewi and Ogidi Fire Stations. The fire service battled the blaze and eventually contained it, although much damage had already been done.
