Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in a midnight fire outbreak at Ahịa Mgbede, situated opposite the New Motor Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The inferno, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, left several shops in ruins, with goods and properties reduced to ashes.
The tragic incident plunged the affected business owners into agony and despair.
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Eyewitnesses said the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived, while victims and sympathisers struggled to salvage what they could.
One of the victims, identified simply as Uche, narrated the devastation, saying “We arrived this morning to find our shops reduced to rubble. The loss is immeasurable and has sent shockwaves through the entire business community.”
He added that the cause of the fire remained unknown but disclosed that many shop owners were severely affected.
He also recounted how a female victim, overwhelmed with heartbreak and frustration, attempted to harm herself but was restrained and consoled by sympathizers.
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Unit, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa.
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