By Okey Maduforo
A major disaster was averted at the Onitsha Timber Market, where over N10 billion worth of goods could have been lost to a fire outbreak on Wednesday night. The swift intervention of the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, prevented the inferno from spreading further.
The fire, which started around 9 pm, destroyed 18 shops in the furniture section of the market. On receiving the distress call, Chief Orji quickly mobilized rescue teams, including the Department of Fire Service in Okpoko, whose efforts successfully contained the blaze. Firefighters from Asaba, Delta State, also assisted in extinguishing the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the market and nearby areas, including Okpoko and Asaba.
Speaking on the incident, Chief Orji expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.
“We thank the fire service department, the Police, the Onitsha Vigilante Services (AVS), and our traders, led by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bridge Head Market, for their prompt intervention.
“We will continue to prioritize the safety of lives and property in our local government area. As this is the harmattan season, I urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid activities that could lead to fire outbreaks,” he said.
Hon. Chinedu Ezekwike, the Caretaker Chairman of Bridge Head Market, commended Chief Orji for his leadership during the crisis. Narrating the events, Hon. Ezekwike said he was shocked when he received news of the fire but was relieved by the timely response of the local government chairman and nearby residents.
“The fire started around 9 pm, but through the efforts of firefighters from Okpoko and Asaba, as well as the swift coordination by Hon. Emeka Orji, we were able to contain it. I am grateful to the chairman, traders, and residents who played a role in averting a larger disaster. This incident demonstrates that Ndigbo still support one another in times of need,” he said.
He revealed that the fire, which affected the furniture section of the market, destroyed goods worth millions of naira, though the exact cause of the inferno is yet to be determined.
“I urge traders, particularly those operating machinery or using flammable materials, to take precautions. Ensure that all machines and electrical appliances are switched off after business hours. This is the harmattan season, and even a spark could ignite a fire. Let us work together to prevent future incidents,” Ezekwike cautioned.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident.
“The swift response of the Police and Fire Service operatives to the fire outbreak at Ogbosisi on 18/12/2024 at 8:45 pm brought the situation under control. Police operatives have cordoned off the scene to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to loot property and goods.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun, and while no lives were lost, the value of goods destroyed is yet to be fully ascertained,” he said.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance, especially during the harmattan season, and underscores the critical role of leadership in managing emergencies.
