Mysterious fire guts Anambra market, destroys shops, warehouses, other valuables 

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Tragedy Struck In the wee hours of Sunday as the Mgbuke village Umunnachi section of the age- long popular Aforigwe Market, Umudioka community, Dunukofia Local Government area, Anambra state, was gutted by fire.

The early morning inferno was said to have destroyed scores of shops and wares estimated into millions of naira in the market that is located along the Old Onitsha-Awka road.

According to an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, the cause of the inferno was still sketchy but may not be unconnected to power surge saying that the EEDC officials  stormed the scene immediately and disconnected the cables to avoid electrocution.

Among the shops affected include provisions, Bread depots, electrical appliances, among others that lost wares estimated into millions of naira.

When Champion correspondent visited the scene, the victims were seen crying and wailing that their wealth which took decades to be acquired went into flames just within a twinkle of an eye

According to the electrical shop owner, ” I had just restocked my shop twice before the tragic incident occurred”.

Sympathizers gathered in their large number to have a glimpse of the destruction and commiserate with those affected by the unfortunate incident.

They pleaded to the state government for good spirited individuals and organizations to come to the rescue of the victims whose hope for brisk Christmas sales this Yuletide has been dashed following the incident.

As at the time of filing this report the fire service personnel were nowhere to be seen and nothing was rescued during the inferno that completely destroyed the wares to ashes.